Author: Daniel Brooks

The French government announced on Tuesday a comprehensive anti-smoking plan that includes banning smoking on beaches, near public buildings like schools, and in public parks and forests starting next year. The plan also aims to make smoking more expensive and less attractive, particularly to younger people, as part of an ambitious effort to produce the first "no-tobacco generation" by 2032. Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau, speaking at a news conference in Paris, acknowledged the progress made in reducing smoking rates among 17-year-olds, which dropped from 25 percent in 2017 to 16 percent in 2022. However, he emphasized that "tobacco remains a…

The Belgian federal government has introduced a significant excise duty on e-liquids used in popular electronic cigarettes, effective January 1, 2024. This measure will increase the cost of a 50 ml bottle of e-liquid from 15 euros to 22.5 euros, a nearly 8 euro rise. The tax is part of a broader effort to discourage both smoking and vaping in the country. According to the Federal Public Service Finance, the excise duty amounts to 15 cents per milliliter and applies not only to e-liquids but also to any substance intended for use in an electronic cigarette or that can be…

In an illuminating interview, Prof. Robert M. Mróz, head of the II Clinic of Lung Diseases, Lung Cancer, and Internal Diseases at the University Clinical Hospital in Białystok, sheds light on the profound impact of smoking on human health and life expectancy. As a leading expert in the field, Prof. Mróz offers valuable insights into the dangers of tobacco use and the most effective approaches to quitting. The Staggering Health Consequences of Smoking Prof. Mróz emphasizes the far-reaching and devastating effects of smoking on the human body. Cigarettes contain over 7,000 chemical substances, including more than 70 known carcinogens, which…

The Belgian Federal Minister of Health, Frank Vandenbroucke, has announced his intention to take decisive action against the use of e-cigarettes, in light of recent studies on the subject. During a plenary session of the Chamber on Thursday, Vandenbroucke presented a five-point action plan to address the growing concern surrounding e-cigarette use among young people. According to a survey published by the Cancer Foundation on Wednesday, 35% of 15-20-year-olds have already used e-cigarettes, and 32% have done so within the past year. In response to questions from Karin Jiroflée (Vooruit), Els Van Hoof (CD&V), and Mieke Claes (N-VA), Vandenbroucke outlined…

Four major companies—British American Tobacco Trading Polska sp. z o.o., Imperial Tobacco Polska S.A., Philip Morris Polska Distribution sp. z o.o., and Swedish Match—have signed a market code that regulates standards for non-tobacco nicotine pouches in Poland. The code establishes a voluntary framework for self-regulation within the country, covering aspects such as consumer information and marketing communication principles. Non-Tobacco Nicotine Pouches: A Smokeless Alternative Non-tobacco nicotine pouches, alongside electronic cigarettes, offer smokers another smokeless alternative. These pouches contain flavorings, nicotine, and a substrate usually made from cellulose, but do not contain tobacco. Users place the pouches between the gum and…

Belgium is set to implement a complete ban on the sale of nicotine pouches from October 1, 2023, as part of the country's anti-tobacco plan endorsed by federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke and 23 other ministers. The royal decree formalizing the ban, published on March 14, marks a significant step in Belgium's efforts to combat nicotine addiction and its associated health risks. Nicotine Pouches: An Alternative with Potential Dangers Nicotine pouches, small sachets placed under the upper lip to deliver nicotine into the bloodstream, have gained popularity as an alternative to traditional tobacco products. While these pouches do not contain…

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has announced a decisive crackdown on disposable vapes, known as "puffs," addressing growing concerns about youth addiction and environmental impact. Speaking exclusively to RTL in Focus Dimanche, Borne confirmed the government will implement this ban as part of France's national anti-smoking strategy. Understanding the Puff Phenomenon Each disposable vape delivers approximately 600 puffs, equivalent to an entire pack of cigarettes. Despite their innocent appearance and name meaning "breath" in English, these devices pack a significant nicotine punch. Manufacturers target young consumers with attractive colors and ice cream-inspired flavors like watermelon and frozen lychee. Youth Addiction…

French Health Minister François Braun announced a groundbreaking initiative to allow pharmacists to prescribe electronic cigarettes as nicotine replacement therapy. This strategic move aims to expand smoking cessation options while maintaining strict control over disposable vapes. Speaking to RTL, Minister Braun emphasized the clear distinction between therapeutic e-cigarettes and disposable "puffs." He explained that traditional e-cigarettes enable users to gradually reduce nicotine consumption, while colorful disposable puffs attract young people to tobacco use. The new prescription authority explicitly excludes these disposable devices. The government plans to include potential reimbursement discussions in their upcoming 2023-2028 anti-tobacco strategy. Braun also revealed plans…

French Health Minister François Braun announced on Monday, May 15, that products containing hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a molecule derived from cannabis but currently sold freely, will likely be banned within a few weeks. Speaking on Franceinfo, Braun stated, "I think it's a matter of weeks," when asked about a potential prohibition of HHC. HHC is a molecule artificially synthesized from natural cannabis extracts, a process known as semi-synthesis. Although scientists have long known about the molecule, health authorities in various countries, including Europe and the United States, have recently observed its increasing commercialization on the internet and in physical stores. Effects…

French Health Minister François Braun announced on Wednesday, May 3/2023, that the government is considering a ban on disposable electronic cigarettes, also known as "puffs," by the end of this year. Speaking on radio France Inter, Braun expressed his support for the ban, stating that these devices "lead some of our young people towards using tobacco." The potential ban on disposable e-cigarettes may form part of a new anti-smoking plan the Health Ministry is developing for the next five years. Braun emphasized the severity of the smoking problem in France, which he described as a "scourge" that kills 75,000 people…