Author: James Anderson

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…

Azerbaijan is poised to implement a comprehensive ban on electronic cigarettes, covering their import, export, production, storage, sale, and use. The proposed legislation involves adding a new article to the Law “On Tobacco and Tobacco Products,” which was recently discussed by joint committees of the Milli Majlis (Parliament). The amendments aim to clarify legal definitions, classifying nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes as tobacco products and introducing specific terms for “heated tobacco products” and “electronic cigarettes.” Consequently, the circulation of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes will be prohibited. Lawmakers believe these clearer definitions will facilitate more precise regulation. Further legislative changes are proposed for the Tax…

The Malaysian government is moving forward with plans to implement a complete ban on e-cigarettes and vape products, according to Health Minister Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad. A Cabinet Memorandum (MJM) detailing the proposal is being finalized and is expected to be tabled early next year. “We are moving towards a ban,” Dr. Dzulkefly confirmed, estimating implementation by mid-2026 or late next year. The decision is driven by escalating health risks associated with vaping, including the alarming discovery of liquids contaminated with banned substances like synthetic cannabis. A special committee is currently studying the societal and legal implications of the ban. Previously,…

The first stage of legislation aimed at banning the sale of single-use vapes has been introduced to the Dáil. Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O’Connor presented the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025, emphasizing concerns over rising youth usage and environmental damage. This move follows the recent implementation of a vape tax in November. The bill proposes restricting available flavors and limiting colors and imagery on packaging to reduce appeal to children. It would also ban devices that resemble toys or games. Murnane O’Connor highlighted Ireland’s history of public health leadership, stating the bill continues the tradition of tackling tobacco-related…

Virginia is set to implement stringent new restrictions on liquid nicotine and vapor products starting December 31, a move that industry advocates warn could force numerous vape shops to close and severely limit consumer options across the state. The new rule mandates that only products approved and listed in a state directory maintained by the Attorney General can be legally sold. Manufacturers facing non-compliance could be hit with fines of up to $1,000 per day for each unapproved product remaining on shelves. Tony Abboud, executive director of the Vapor Technology Association, criticized the legislation as a “market share grab” favoring…

A new law banning the sale of disposable nicotine vapes not authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially taken effect in Mississippi. House Bill 916, implemented on December 1st, mandates that retailers can now only sell products from a specific government-approved list, aiming to remove unregulated items from shelves. The legislation has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters like Kelvincia Murrell applaud the move, citing health concerns. “It wasn’t FDA approved anyways and it was very unhealthy to our bodies and our brains,” Murrell stated. Lawmakers pushed for the bill to ensure consumer safety by eliminating unregulated products.…

A comprehensive ban on vaping in public spaces is set to take effect in Dallas on December 11, 2025, following amendments to the city’s smoke-free ordinance approved by the City Council. The new rules extend existing smoking prohibitions to all electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, aiming to address public health concerns regarding secondhand aerosols and protect youth. Under the updated policy, vaping will be prohibited in all indoor public spaces, workplaces, and city-owned buildings. The ban also extends outdoors, prohibiting vaping within 15 feet of any building entrance and across all city park properties. This move aligns Dallas with health…

Mexico has implemented a complete prohibition on vapes and electronic cigarettes nationwide. The Chamber of Deputies approved a reform on Tuesday that significantly toughens sanctions against those who manufacture, distribute, or commercialize these devices. The initiative, presented by President Claudia Sheinbaum, passed with 324 votes in favor and 129 against. The new legislation establishes severe penalties, including prison sentences of up to eight years and fines reaching 226,000 Mexican pesos (approximately $11,000 USD) for individuals acquiring or selling vapes for profit. Additionally, all advertising or propaganda promoting e-cigarette consumption across print, digital, television, or radio media is now banned. The…