Author: James Anderson

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed a sweeping 75% wholesale tax on nicotine pouches, aiming to bring products like ZYN under the same fiscal umbrella as traditional tobacco. The proposal, embedded in the executive budget, comes as the state grapples with declining tobacco revenue and a surge in illicit cigarette trade. While public health advocates argue the tax is necessary to curb rising youth usage, industry experts warn it could eliminate the financial incentive for smokers to switch to less harmful alternatives. The Revenue Gap and the “Sin Tax” Solution New York’s tobacco tax revenue has plummeted from $1…

Pennsylvania has enacted its first major legislation to tackle the unregulated vape market, but Act 57 is already facing skepticism from public health experts and industry insiders. The new law mandates that manufacturers register with the Office of Attorney General by this spring, certifying their products are FDA-authorized or pending review. While supporters claim this will remove dangerous, Chinese-made disposables from shelves, critics argue that significant loopholes, a lack of enforcement funding, and the absence of a flavor ban may render the statute ineffective. The “Pending” Status Loophole While the law is designed to limit the market to the ~39…

Excise taxes are indirect taxes levied on specific goods, such as alcohol and tobacco, which are often used by governments to generate revenue and discourage consumption of harmful products. As of January 1, 2026, Russia has implemented a new wave of these taxes, directly impacting consumer prices. Impact on Alcohol Prices The alcohol market is seeing substantial adjustments. Excise taxes have increased by an average of 8–31%, leading to immediate price hikes for popular spirits. Tobacco and Nicotine Product Changes Smokers and vapers are also facing higher costs. The tax increases cover a broad range of nicotine products. Product CategoryNew Pricing/Tax…

Oral nicotine pouches are small, white sachets containing nicotine powder, flavorings, and plant-based fibers that are placed between the lip and gum for absorption. Unlike traditional dip or snus, they do not contain tobacco leaf, making them a distinct category in the evolving nicotine market. The Surge of “Lip Pillows”: Market and Demographics Often called “lip pillows” or “upper deckys,” products like Zyn, On!, and Velo have seen explosive growth. As e-cigarette regulations tighten, these pouches have become the second most used tobacco product among U.S. students. Recent sales data highlights this trend: MetricData PointTrendSales Volume$446.8 million (April 2025)Up 207% since…

LB-1204 refers to the new Nebraska legislation that establishes a mandatory state registry for vaping products, effectively banning the sale of any item not explicitly approved by the state. As the law took effect this Wednesday, retailers across Nebraska were forced to clear their shelves of popular but unapproved brands. Retailers Face Losses and Uncertainty The impact on local businesses has been immediate and costly. Joseph Fraas, owner of G & G Smoke & Vape Shop with locations in Omaha and Lincoln, reported having to pull approximately $12,000 worth of inventory. “To be honest, those are all of the favorite vapes……

As of January 1st, Kentucky has implemented a new mandate requiring all businesses selling nicotine products, including vapes and tobacco, to apply for a state license. This move, enacted under SB 100 passed in 2025, aligns Kentucky with the majority of U.S. states that already enforce similar retailer licensing. The primary driver behind this legislation is the alarming rate of youth vaping in the state. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), nearly 20% of Kentucky high schoolers use e-cigarettes, a figure almost double the national average. Shannon Baker, Director of Advocacy for the ALA in Kentucky and Tennessee, emphasized…

A new law has taken effect in Washington state, significantly raising taxes on all nicotine products, including those previously exempt from tobacco taxes. This sweeping measure applies the tax at the distributor level, meaning consumers won’t see a separate line item on their receipts, but the impact at the register will be substantial. Prices for popular items like nicotine pouches and disposable vapes are expected to nearly double as a result. The state government’s stated goal is to discourage nicotine use and reduce addiction rates by making these products less affordable. However, local small business owners are expressing serious concerns…

Pennsylvania has passed a new law requiring vape shops to sell only electronic nicotine products from a state-approved manufacturers registry. This legislation, centered on the Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) process, aims to ensure consumer safety by keeping illegal and unapproved vaping products off the market. While the law will not take full effect for another six months, it establishes a framework for a publicly accessible directory. Attorney Clint Barkdoll explained that this list will allow consumers to verify the legitimacy of products, their manufacturers, and authorized retailers. “We are now one of four states that have done this. This…

Kyrgyzstan has enacted a temporary six-month ban on the importation of electronic cigarettes and nicotine-containing liquids, following a resolution by the Cabinet of Ministers. The prohibition specifically targets devices with built-in nicotine liquid and separate nicotine-containing cartridges or reservoirs, classified under EAEU HS code 2404 12 000 0. Set to take effect 15 days after official publication, this measure aims to protect public health by curbing the spread of nicotine addiction, particularly among youth, and reducing associated disease risks. This move aligns Kyrgyzstan with regional trends in Central Asia. Neighboring Kazakhstan implemented a law in June 2024 prohibiting the sale,…

In a significant shift for US drug policy, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to expedite the reclassification of marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This move aims to dismantle longstanding bureaucratic hurdles that have stifled scientific research into the drug’s potential medical benefits. Currently, marijuana’s Schedule I status groups it with heroin, implying a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical value. The reclassification to Schedule III would place it alongside drugs like codeine, ketamine, and anabolic steroids. While this does not federally legalize recreational use, it…