Author: Matthew Ma

A landmark review of 123 studies involving 4 million participants under age 29 found no conclusive evidence that vaping leads to cigarette smoking among youth. Published in the journal Addiction, the research reignites debates about vaping’s role in declining smoking rates and highlights regulatory complexities. Key Findings: Vaping’s Impact Remains Ambiguous Public health researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Oxford analyzed data from the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe. Their findings revealed: “If vaping consistently caused smoking, we’d see rising smoking rates in population data. We haven’t,” said senior author Jamie Hartmann-Boyce. The Gateway vs. Diversion…

Hong Kong will prohibit the possession and use of e-cigarettes in all public spaces by July 2026, Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau confirmed Sunday. The measure strengthens existing 2022 restrictions on sales and imports, targeting youth health risks and closing enforcement gaps. Strict Penalties and Phased Implementation Under the new law: The bill will reach Hong Kong’s Legislative Council in April 2026, with full enforcement expected three months later. “We’ll first target outdoor use, then expand compliance,” Lo stated, emphasizing a gradual public adaptation period. Youth Protection Drives Policy Shift The ban follows Hong Kong’s 2022 prohibition on e-cigarette sales, imports,…

A new bill, A01007, has been proposed in Albany, New York, that would impose additional restrictions on where adults can smoke or vape cannabis in the state. The primary goal of the legislation is to protect children from exposure to secondhand cannabis smoke or vapor. 30-Foot Rule and Potential Challenges Under the proposed bill, smoking or vaping cannabis would be prohibited within 30 feet of a child or any location where children reside or attend for recreational or educational purposes, even if separated by walls, closed doors, or floors within a building. Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, the bill's co-sponsor, stated that…

DoorDash, the popular delivery service, announced on Thursday that it will now offer hemp-derived THC and CBD products, such as gummies and beverages, in select states. This move comes as a response to the increasing demand for these products among consumers looking to unwind and recharge. Partnering with Merchants to Deliver Cannabinoid Products DoorDash has partnered with several merchants, including DashMart, Total Wine & More, and ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, to facilitate the delivery of these products to eligible customers. Jacob Morello, Director and general manager of alcohol and emerging categories at DoorDash, expressed excitement about the expansion, stating,…

Vietnam has implemented a strict ban on vapes, joining a growing list of countries, including Singapore, Thailand, India, and Australia, that prohibit travelers from bringing e-cigarettes into the country. The new rules, which came into effect at the start of the year, aim to address health concerns over irreversible lung damage caused by vaping. Tourists caught using e-cigarettes in Vietnam now face fines of up to 2 million dong (US$78.50), while those found importing, trading, transporting, or producing vapes and materials for cigarette alternatives risk fines of up to 3 billion dong or imprisonment for up to 15 years, depending…

Louisiana is set to implement a new law on January 1, 2025, that will significantly impact the state's thriving hemp industry. The legislation, known as Act 752, was passed during the 2024 regular legislative session as a compromise between lawmakers who have been debating how to regulate the $33 million industry for years. The new rules will bring about several notable changes that will affect consumers of THC and CBD products, as well as the businesses that sell them. Here's a closer look at what will change in 2025: Reduced Serving Sizes for THC Seltzers and Gummies One of the…

Belgium will become the first European Union (EU) country to ban the sale of disposable vapes starting January 1, 2025. Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke announced this decision, citing both health and environmental concerns as the primary reasons for the ban. Vandenbroucke emphasized that disposable e-cigarettes, which often contain nicotine, have become a significant health threat, particularly among teenagers. These devices make it easier for young people to become addicted to nicotine. Additionally, the disposable nature of these products contributes to plastic waste, hazardous chemicals, and battery pollution. While the ban specifically targets disposable vapes, Vandenbroucke acknowledged that reusable vapes could…

The UK government has announced that the sale and use of single-use disposable vapes will be banned in England starting from June 2025. The move aims to protect children's health and the environment, with similar bans expected to be introduced by the governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Concerns Over Disposable Vapes' Appeal to Children Despite the existing law that prohibits the sale of vapes to individuals under the age of 18, there have been growing concerns that disposable vapes contribute significantly to the rise in young people vaping. These devices are often sold in smaller, more colorful packaging…

The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has announced voluntary recalls for vape cartridge products from two cannabis manufacturers, STIIIZY and Kind Republic, due to potential pesticide contamination. The recall notices, issued on December 6 and December 4, respectively, join several other ongoing cannabis recalls related to pesticide contamination in the state. STIIIZY Premium THC Pods Recall Details The voluntary recall affects the following STIIIZY vape products for potential pesticide category I contamination: Ironworks Collective manufactured the products, with the Purple Punch products sold in October 2021 and the Pink Acai products sold in October 2023. Kind Republic Recall Details…

Louisiana lawmakers have given final approval to House Bill 952, which introduces new regulations on the state's thriving $33 million hemp-derived THC product industry. The bill, carried by Rep. Dustin Miller (D-Opelousas), was sent to Gov. Jeff Landry's desk on Monday, just 40 minutes before the Legislature's 6 p.m. deadline, after the House and Senate worked to resolve differences over the included regulations. The new law, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, comes after a failed attempt to ban hemp-derived THC products in Louisiana last week. Once signed by Gov. Landry, the regulations will bring about significant changes…