Author: moonswamp

The French Parliament is on the verge of definitively banning single-use electronic cigarettes, known as "puffs." This measure, welcomed by anti-smoking advocates, aims to protect young people from nicotine addiction and reduce the environmental impact of these products made of plastic and lithium batteries. Legislative Process Too Slow Despite support from successive governments, the legislative process has taken more than two years, allowing other nicotine products, such as pouches (to be placed between the lip and the gum) and nicotine pearls, to gain a foothold in the French market. Professor Loïc Josseran, president of the Alliance Against Tobacco (ACT), regrets…

Hong Kong will criminalize possession and public use of vaping devices by mid-2026 under expanded tobacco control laws announced by Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau. The phased ban begins in outdoor spaces to ease enforcement challenges, with eventual expansion to "all places." "Protecting youth requires eliminating e-cigarette cartridges from daily life," Lo stated on February 9. "Legislation will first target outdoor possession and use, progressing to full implementation as public compliance grows." The proposal enters legislative review in April 2026, alongside a ban on non-menthol flavored cigarettes. Officials aim to slash smoking rates from 9.1% (2023) to 7.8% by year-end. 2022…

As Ramadan 2025 approaches, many Muslims are asking whether vaping or smoking breaks the fast. Fasting during Ramadan, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, requires abstaining from food, drink, and other activities from sunrise to sunset. This holy month commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad and offers Muslims a chance to reflect, practice self-discipline, and grow closer to God. The Significance of Fasting in Ramadan Fasting, or Sawm, is a spiritual practice that reminds Muslims of the struggles faced by the less fortunate. It also serves as a time for self-purification and devotion. During this period, Muslims…

It’s no secret that smoking harms your health. Beyond its well-known effects on the lungs and heart, smoking also impacts the scalp and hair, potentially worsening conditions like baldness or alopecia. If you’ve ever wondered whether smoking contributes to hair loss, the answer is a resounding yes. Research shows that smoking can indeed lead to thinning hair and even accelerate hair loss. Does Smoking Cause Hair Loss? While the dangers of cigarette smoke to overall health are widely recognized, its effects on the skin and hair are less commonly discussed. A recent study published in Archives of Dermatology examined 743 patients aged 40-90…

The State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, plans to include a bill banning the retail sale of vapes and related liquids in Russia in its approximate work plan for March 2025, according to a draft resolution from the Duma's health protection committee obtained by TASS. The proposed legislation, introduced by representatives of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF), seeks to amend the law "On Protecting the Health of Citizens from the Effects of Ambient Tobacco Smoke, the Consequences of Tobacco Consumption or the Consumption of Nicotine-Containing Products." State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin referred the document…

Ireland has announced plans to implement a licensing system for shops selling e-cigarettes and tobacco products, set to take effect on February 2, 2026. Under the new regulations, retailers will be required to pay an annual license fee of €800 for vaping products and €1,000 for tobacco products. Shops selling both will need to pay both fees. The primary goals of this measure are to prevent the illegal sale of certain products and ensure that the ban on sales to minors is strictly enforced by all professionals in the industry. Retailers will also be required to register in a special…

Despite rumors circulating on social media, the Czech government and the Ministry of Health have no immediate plans to ban e-cigarettes or their flavors. While the Ministry of Health has been preparing a decree to regulate the expansion of electronic cigarettes, the proposed ban on fruit and other flavors will likely be postponed for the time being. Minister of Health Vlastimil Válek (TOP 09) confirmed this stance, stating that the European Union does not require such measures and that similar regulations should be addressed on a European-wide basis. However, Válek also acknowledged that his department is currently exploring options to…

The Mexican Senate has passed the General Law for Tobacco Control with 97 votes in favor, seeking to ban all advertising of tobacco products and designate workplaces, public and private buildings, sports centers, stadiums, and parks as smoke-free spaces. The initiative, which has been sent to the Federal Executive for promulgation, aims to improve public health and reduce tobacco consumption in the country. Key Provisions of the New Law The new legislation prohibits all advertising, sponsorship, or promotion of tobacco products, whether directly or indirectly. It also bans incentives that encourage the purchase of these products, meaning that no promotional…

The Alberta government has announced the introduction of two new taxes that will take effect in 2025, as outlined in its 2024-25 budget. These taxes include a vape tax and a registration fee for electric vehicles. Vape Tax Details and Purpose The vape tax, which comes into effect on Wednesday, aims to discourage the use of vaping products, particularly among young Albertans. The government cites data showing that one-third of Albertans between the ages of 15 and 19 currently vape. The tax will be charged at a rate of $1.12 per two millilitres (mL) of vape product for the first…

Vaping enthusiasts in Kyrgyzstan might want to start stocking up on their favorite e-liquids and devices, because come July 1, 2025, the country is set to ban the import, circulation, and use of electronic cigarettes altogether, as Kabar reported. President Sadyr Zhaparov put pen to paper on the new law, which aims to protect the health and well-being of Kyrgyz citizens from the potential risks associated with using e-cigarettes and nicotine-containing liquids. The Jogorku Kenesh, Kyrgyzstan's parliament, had already given the legislation the green light back on October 23, 2024. But the ban isn't just about keeping e-cigs out of…