Author: James Anderson

Florida has reached a $79 million settlement with e-cigarette giant Juul Labs. The lawsuit, filed by the state, alleged that Juul deliberately targeted children with its advertising and marketing practices, contributing to the widespread use of vaping products among minors. Attorney General James Uthmeier, announcing the settlement, emphasized the importance of protecting children’s well-being. “As a father, the safety and wellbeing of children is top of mind, all the time. Florida has been a leader in the fight to end teen vaping, and I’m proud to announce this monumental settlement with Juul,” he stated. The settlement includes several key provisions…

A new bill aimed at combating youth vaping in South Carolina is gaining traction in the state legislature. Bill 287, which seeks to regulate electronic nicotine devices and their origins, has moved forward in the legislative process. Age Discrepancy Between State and Federal Law While the legal age to purchase nicotine in South Carolina is currently 18, federal law still mandates a minimum age of 21. This discrepancy has raised concerns among lawmakers who believe that the state should be doing more to discourage vaping, particularly among minors. Bringing in the Attorney General’s Office If passed, Bill 287 would require…

A bill aimed at creating a registry for vape products in Arkansas failed to advance out of the Senate’s City, County and Local Affairs Committee on Tuesday. Senate Bill 252, introduced by State Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Searcy, was one vote short of moving forward. Regulating Unregulated Vapes Sen. Dismang explained that the bill was intended to give state tobacco enforcement more authority to police unregulated vapes, especially disposable ones from China. The proposed registry would mirror the list of registered vape products by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), while also including products pending approval or appeal. “This registry…

The Tennessee Legislature has taken the first step toward imposing a 10% tax on certain vapor products, such as vape pens, vape molds, cig-a-likes, and pod mods, and requiring FDA approval before vape products can be sold in the state. The Republican-led measure, Senate Bill 763, was approved by the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee in a 7-1 vote, despite strong opposition from the vape industry. Sponsored by Sen. Ken Yager (R-Kingston) and Senate Finance Chairman Bo Watson (R-Hixson), the bill aims to address the influx of illegal Chinese vape products that are allegedly addicting and harming children. “It is…

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against several major electronic cigarette distributors, accusing them of violating state laws that prohibit the sale of vaping flavors and designs that appeal to children. The legal action targets middlemen who distribute fruit- and candy-flavored e-cigarettes like Puff Bar and Elf Bar to hundreds of convenience stores and gas stations across the state. Companies List: This approach differs from past litigation by New York and other states, which focused on vaping manufacturers such as Juul Labs. Juul, widely blamed for sparking the teen vaping trend, has paid more than $1…

The Russian State Duma is currently reviewing a bill that would impose a complete ban on vapes, as well as nicotine-containing and nicotine-free e-liquids. The proposal, initiated by representatives of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF), has been sent to the relevant Health Protection Committee. Deputies plan to include the bill in the agenda for the spring session of 2025. According to State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, the initiative has garnered support from all political factions. He emphasized the need to hold consultations with the government to expedite the adoption of the law. This broad political backing suggests…

As vaping grows in popularity, Florida drivers are questioning whether using e-cigarettes behind the wheel violates state laws. While no statute explicitly bans vaping while driving, legal experts warn that careless habits could lead to fines or penalties. Is Vaping While Driving Illegal in Florida? Florida’s current statutes don’t explicitly ban vaping behind the wheel. However, law enforcement can issue careless driving citations (under §316.192) if vaping causes swerving, lane violations, or other unsafe behaviors. Key Legal Risks for Drivers How Florida’s Rules Compare to Other States States like California and New York ban handheld device use while driving, but Florida’s laws…

Smoking remains a significant public health issue, with millions of Americans still addicted to cigarettes despite the well-known risks. However, as we explore ways to reduce smoking-related deaths, it’s essential to understand the role that alternative nicotine delivery systems, such as vaping, can play in this fight. The FDA’s Proposed Plan and Its Implications Let’s start by examining the recent proposal by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes to non-addictive doses. While this plan could potentially save millions of lives by making cigarettes less satisfying, it also presents a challenge for regulators. Imagine a…

The French parliament has approved groundbreaking legislation to ban single-use electronic cigarettes, commonly known as disposable vapes or “puffs.” The bill, which received its final vote of approval in the Senate upper house, makes France the second European Union country after Belgium to implement such a ban. Disposable e-cigarettes, which are particularly popular among young people, often contain high levels of nicotine and come in a variety of enticing flavors like apple, watermelon, and cola. These devices also pose environmental concerns due to their polluting lithium batteries. Francesca Pasquini, the lawmaker who authored the bill, celebrated the parliamentary victory, emphasizing…

As of February 2025, Pennsylvania does not explicitly prohibit vaping while driving. However, upcoming legislative changes and existing regulations create potential risks for drivers using e-cigarettes. Here’s how state laws and local ordinances could impact vaping in vehicles. Upcoming Distracted Driving Law: Paul Miller’s Law Effective June 5, 2025, Pennsylvania’s Paul Miller’s Law will redefine distracted driving rules. Key provisions include: Legal experts warn that frequent vaping—such as refilling tanks or adjusting settings—might trigger fines under the law. Clean Indoor Air Act and Vaping Exemptions Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act bans smoking in most public spaces but excludes vaping. This means: Local Ordinances Tighten Restrictions…