Author: moonswamp

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…

France has introduced new legislation that clearly defines and regulates the activity of influencers. The National Assembly unanimously adopted a bill, presented by deputies Arthur Delaporte (PS) and Stéphane Vojetta (Renaissance), which legally frames what is now considered a genuine profession. The text, n°1006, creates a legal definition of "commercial influence activity" and the terms "influencer" and "influencer agency." According to the new law, individuals or entities who leverage their notoriety to communicate content to the public electronically to promote, directly or indirectly, goods, services, or any cause in exchange for an economic benefit or advantage in kind, the value…

France's Council of State, the country's highest court, has overturned the government's ban on hemp flower, ruling that the prohibition was disproportionate and lacked solid evidence of harm. The decision, made on December 29, 2021, follows the legalization of hemp-derived products containing 0.3 percent THC or less in France on December 30, 2021. The court stated that the harmfulness of other molecules present in cannabis flowers and leaves, particularly CBD, has not been established. In fact, evidence suggests that CBD has relaxing properties and anticonvulsant effects, without causing psychotropic effects or dependence. Concerns Over Distinguishing Hemp from Cannabis Despite allowing…

France's Council of State has officially lifted the ban on the sale of raw flowers and leaves of certain cannabis varieties, following a temporary suspension in January. The decision, announced on Wednesday, annuls the government's decree from December 30, 2021, which prohibited the sale of cannabis flowers and leaves with a THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content below 0.3%. The Council of State ruled that CBD (cannabidiol), which has no psychotropic effect and does not cause dependence, cannot be considered a narcotic substance. The institution found no evidence that the consumption of flowers and leaves from low-THC cannabis varieties poses risks to public…

Belgium's railway company SNCB has announced that starting from January 1, smoking and vaping will be prohibited on all train stations throughout the country, including outdoor platforms. This measure will make the entire railway area smoke-free, promoting health, cleanliness, and clarity for passengers and staff. To ensure a smooth implementation of the change, SNCB launched an awareness campaign in stations and on trains on Monday, December 19. The campaign will spread messages through posters, announcements, information screens, and various digital channels. Protecting Children's Right to Grow Up in Good Health Marc Michils, spokesperson for 'Generation Smoke-Free,' welcomed the measure, stating,…

Belgium's Minister of Health, Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit), has introduced stricter regulations on the e-cigarette industry to discourage young people from using these products. The new measures, outlined in a Royal Decree (KB), focus on reducing the appeal of e-cigarettes rather than banning flavors outright, as seen in the Netherlands. The KB prohibits the use of trendy names for e-cigarette flavors, bans gadgets such as lights on electronic cigarettes, mandates health warnings and package inserts in Belgium's three official languages, and establishes a list of prohibited ingredients that can be expanded as needed. Distributors who fail to comply with these new…

The Netherlands has banned the sale of vapes with frivolous flavors, restricting the market to tobacco-flavored products only, as stated in the Staatscourant, the Dutch government gazette. The measure, set to take effect on October 1, 2023, aims to make e-cigarettes less attractive to young people. Exotic flavors such as lemon twist, strawberry cream, or brain freeze lower the threshold for youth to start vaping compared to traditional cigarettes. While e-cigarettes are considered less harmful than their analog counterparts, vaping still poses health risks, making it crucial to discourage widespread use among young people. Dutch State Secretary Proposed Flavor Ban…