Tag: vaping

  • Massachusetts May Pass Generational Tobacco Ban

    Massachusetts May Pass Generational Tobacco Ban

    Credit: ESky Studio

    Massachusetts is readying to become the first state to pass a generational tobacco ban.

    Several of the state’s lawmakers plan on introducing bills that would ban anyone born after a specific date from ever purchasing tobacco products in Massachusetts. It’s unclear which date the proposed cut-off will be, but the report says that the group doesn’t plan on taking away the right to purchase tobacco products from anyone who is legally of age.

    Given the bill won’t be introduced until next year, that would mean a date no earlier than 2004, though it might be 2005, according to Charlie Minato of Halfwheel.

    Massachusetts won’t be the first state to have generational tobacco ban legislation introduced, but it could be the first one to see it pass. The state is already one of the least tobacco-friendly states in the U.S. It has one of the 10 highest state tax rates on cigars and is one of just two states that have successfully banned some flavored tobacco products.

    Earlier this year, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court upheld a local law passed in Brookline, Mass., that banned anyone born after Jan. 1, 2000, from ever purchasing tobacco products and e-cigarettes. That success has created interest from other lawmakers in the state, though as recently as last month, nearby Peabody, Mass., tabled a similar proposal after pushback.

    This week, the most prominent attempt at a generational tobacco ban is back in the news. The U.K. Parliament held its second reading of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. If it becomes law, the legislation, backed by a 415 to 47 vote, would prevent anyone born after January 1, 2009, from buying tobacco.

  • UK Generational Smoking Ban Clears First Hurdle

    UK Generational Smoking Ban Clears First Hurdle

    VV Archive

    A landmark bill in the United Kingdom to ban its younger generation from smoking has cleared its first hurdle in the House of Commons.

    If it becomes law, the legislation, backed by a 415 to 47 vote, would prevent anyone born after January 1, 2009, from buying tobacco.

    Before then, the bill must go through further parliamentary stages, with MPs able to suggest amendments to any aspects they don’t like.

    The legislation includes powers to introduce a licensing scheme for retailers to sell tobacco, vape, and nicotine products in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

    Other proposed measures include a total ban on vaping product advertising and sponsorship, with a possible ban on the sale of sweet vape flavors, subject to consultation.

    While the numbers indicate large cross-party support, there was strong criticism from Conservative, Liberal Democrat, and Reform UK MPs, who raised concerns about “civil liberties.”

    The division list showed Tory leader Kemi Badenoch voted against the measure, having previously said “people born a day apart will have permanently different rights,” reports Sky News.

    Former home secretary Suella Braverman, shadow immigration minister Robert Jenrick, and Sir Iain Duncan Smith were among the other high-profile Conservatives who didn’t back the bill.

    While most Liberal Democrats did vote to support the bill, the party’s health spokeswoman Helen Morgan said: “The introduction of a phased smoking ban is problematic and not because Liberal Democrats want to see people smoke themselves into an early grave – far from it – but because it raises issues of practicality and raises issues of civil liberties.”

  • AYR Wellness Expands to Include Disposable Vape

    AYR Wellness Expands to Include Disposable Vape

    AYR Wellness Inc., a U.S. multi-state cannabis operator, has expanded its Later Days brand to include a line of pocket-friendly vapes with new flavors.

    Patients and adult-use customers in Massachusetts, New Jersey, Nevada, and Ohio can begin exploring AYR’s newest vape offering starting November 25th, with additional markets to follow later, according to a press release.

    The collection of compact disposables offers a discrete delivery system, a 280mAh battery, a USB-C charging port and an oil window. Later, Days Vapes is launching with five flavors: Sweet Strawberry, Juicy Mango, Frozen Watermelon, Winter Mint, and Georgia Peach. The easy-to-use devices will initially be available in a 1g size in all states, with a 2g size launching in New Jersey and Massachusetts in early 2025.

    “We’ve placed a major emphasis on both rationalizing our brand portfolio and enhancing product selection, with hardware designed to deliver excellent experiences for our customers,” said George Denardo, chief operating officer at AYR. “Later Days stands out in a crowded vape market with a unique blend of creativity, innovation, and quality.

    “The fun and familiar format, combined with a range of refreshing mint and fruit-forward flavors, addresses what a growing segment of cannabis consumers are looking for.”

  • FDA Seeks Fines for 18 Sellers of Illegal Vapes

    FDA Seeks Fines for 18 Sellers of Illegal Vapes

    Credit: Adobe Stock

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it is seeking fines against two brick-and-mortar retailers and 16 online retailers who have continued to sell unauthorized vaping products.

    The regulatory agency previously issued warning letters to these retailers for their sale of unauthorized tobacco products; however, follow-up inspections revealed that the retailers had failed to correct the violations, according to an agency press release.

    “Many recipients of warning letters correct the violative conduct, the release states. “However, failure to promptly correct the violations can result in additional enforcement actions such as civil money penalties, as is the case for these companies.”

    The FDA has filed civil money penalty complaints against 79 manufacturers and 175 retailers for distribution and/or sale of unauthorized tobacco products. Additionally, the FDA works closely with federal enforcement partners, including through a newly announced federal interagency task force.

    For example, FDA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently announced the seizure of $76 million in illegal e-cigarettes.

    A bipartisan group of influential House lawmakers recently stated their doubts about the Food and Drug Administration’s proposal to begin collecting fees from e-cigarette companies, akin to how the agency charges fees to tobacco firms.

    FDA officials say that the fees would give regulators resources to tackle the thousands of illegal vapes lining store shelves.

  • South Korea Expands Vape-Only Smoking Lounges 

    South Korea Expands Vape-Only Smoking Lounges 

    Credit: Sayan

    With the growing popularity of e-cigarettes, South Korea is increasingly accommodating users by introducing dedicated smoking spaces, reflecting a broader shift in attitudes toward smoking alternatives.

    E-cigarette-exclusive lounges have emerged in places like Incheon International Airport and major commercial hubs, catering to smokers who wish to avoid the strong odors and cramped conditions of traditional smoking booths.

    Incheon Airport, for instance, has operated three e-cigarette lounges since June—one each in Terminals 1, 2, and a concourse. These facilities, converted from existing smoking areas, have been redesigned to eliminate ashtrays and mitigate lingering odors from conventional cigarettes.

    According to the airport, these lounges serve an average of 4,000 users daily, with a 4.2 out of 5 satisfaction rate, as measured by a September survey, state media reports.

    The rise of e-cigarette smoking parallels shifting smoking trends in South Korea. While overall tobacco product usage increased marginally from 21.6% in 2019 to 22.2% in 2023, e-cigarette usage has grown significantly.

  • BAT Launches New Synthetic Vape in South Korea

    BAT Launches New Synthetic Vape in South Korea

    Nomad Sync 5000 (BAT)

    British American Tobacco on Monday officially launched its synthetic nicotine-based liquid e-cigarette, Nomad Sync 5000, in South Korea, the first market in the world to release the product.

    The Nomad Sync 5000, available in sweet “Purple” and refreshing “Cold” flavors, offers up to 5,000 puffs with a liquid capacity of 10 milliliters and a nicotine concentration of 0.9 percent. Priced at around 17,000 won ($12), the product is now available at vape shops nationwide.

    BAT Rothmans, the company’s Korean subsidiary, attributed the product’s Korean debut to the country’s regulatory framework, according to media reports.

    “South Korea is the only OECD country where synthetic nicotine products are governed separately from natural nicotine products,” a BAT Rothmans official said. “This unique distinction provides a favorable environment for innovation and allows us to responsibly introduce products that meet high industry standards.”

    Under Korea’s current tobacco laws, only products derived from tobacco leaves are classified as tobacco, leaving synthetic nicotine products exempt from taxes, health warning labels, advertising restrictions, and sales restrictions to minors.

    Despite this regulatory gap, BAT Rothmans emphasized its voluntary compliance with local standards, including displaying health warnings and ensuring branding avoids youth appeal.

  • EU Resolution to Ban Vaping in Public Places

    EU Resolution to Ban Vaping in Public Places

    VV Archive

    Several MEPs are finalizing their draft joint resolution on smoke- and aerosol-free environments. The topic will be debated in plenary on Wednesday (November 27), and the text will be put to a vote in the European Parliament the following day.

    According to the document, seen by Euractiv, MEPs primarily aim to urge member states to “extend public smoking bans to new and emerging products such as heated tobacco, e-cigarettes, and other aerosol-emitting products.”

    The draft resolution proposes extending smoking and aerosol use bans to key outdoor areas, including outdoor restaurants and cafés, workplaces, the surroundings of healthcare facilities, educational institutions, care facilities, and public transport, including bus and tram stops, and train stations.

    Railway platforms, airports, recreational areas, and other areas of high congregation would also fall under the scope of these restrictions.

    Furthermore, the Commission, according to the document, should conduct studies and encourage research on the risks of secondhand exposure to heated tobacco and aerosols, including those emitted by e-cigarettes.

    The document, which must still be finalised before the vote, also highlights the need to combat the sale of black-market vaping products. According to the draft resolution, “the Commission and member states should commit to taking stricter measures.”

  • SCOTUS to Hear Triton Vaping Case Next Week

    SCOTUS to Hear Triton Vaping Case Next Week

    Credit: Renas Child

    In one week, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s defense of the agency’s rejection of two companies’ premarket tobacco product applications (PMTAs) to sell flavored vape products that it has determined pose health risks for young consumers.

    The live audio of the hearing can be found here.

    The justices took up the FDA’s appeal filed after a lower court ruled that the agency had failed to follow proper legal procedures under federal law when it denied the applications to bring their nicotine-containing products to market.

    The Supreme Court is due to hear the case in its next term, which begins in October, according to Reuters.

    Two e-cigarette liquid makers, Triton Distribution and Vapetasia LLC, filed FDA applications in 2020 for products with flavors such as sour grape, pink lemonade, and crème brulee and names such as “Jimmy The Juice Man Strawberry Astronaut” and “Suicide Bunny Bunny Season.”

    An FDA rule that took effect in 2016 deemed e-cigarettes to be tobacco products, like traditional cigarettes, subject to agency review under a 2009 federal law called the Tobacco Control Act. The rule said manufacturers of the products would need to apply for approval to continue selling them.

    The FDA rejected the applications by the two companies, along with more than one million other products, according to court records. The FDA has approved only 27 e-cigarette products, all tobacco or menthol flavored.

    Triton and Vapetasia in 2021 asked the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review the FDA’s denial of their applications.

    In January, the full slate of 5th Circuit judges ruled 10-6 that the FDA had been arbitrary and capricious, in violation of a federal law called the Administrative Procedure Act, by denying the applications without considering plans by the companies to prevent underage access and use.

  • Ispire Launches VLT ‘Reloadable’ Cannabis Vape

    Ispire Launches VLT ‘Reloadable’ Cannabis Vape

    Ispire Technology announced the launch of VLT, a groundbreaking vaping pod system that redefines the 510-thread experience. VLT’s proprietary reload system offers a sustainable and eco-friendly solution that empowers consumers to take control of their vaping devices, addressing key concerns about environmental impact and disposable hardware waste.

    “VLT is a transformative step forward for cannabis vaping,” said Michael Wang, co-CEO of Ispire. “We’ve combined the familiarity of 510-thread devices with a versatile reloadable system that gives our partners and consumers true ownership of their vaping experience while tackling the environmental and economic challenges that come with disposables.”

    Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Design

    Unlike disposable vapor products that contribute to electronic waste by discarding the entire device, including the battery, VLT’s reusable system promotes sustainability by allowing consumers to reload their pods. This means the battery isn’t thrown out with each use, reducing electronic waste and making the product more environmentally friendly.

    The eco-friendly design, featuring a reusable battery and multiple pod sizes, reduces electronic waste and supports Ispire’s commitment to environmental responsibility. A portion of VLT’s proceeds will be donated to organizations dedicated to reducing non-recyclable waste, making VLT a plastic-neutral product.

    Cost and Operational Efficiency

    VLT’s reloadable pods offer a greener alternative and are cost-effective compared to traditional disposable systems. For manufacturers, VLT drives operational efficiency through the Ispire ONE filling machine, cutting labor costs and maintaining product integrity. VLT’s airtight design preserves the natural terpenes in cannabis extracts, enhancing flavor profiles and extending shelf life.

    Elevating the 510-Thread Experience

    VLT elevates the vaping experience by merging the convenience of disposables with the reliability and performance of the 510-thread system. Available in a variety of pod sizes, colors, and fully customizable options, VLT caters to the needs of THC, CBD, and alternative cannabinoid users.

    The advanced pod technology ensures maximum terpene preservation with an airtight chamber that prevents evaporation and ensures every draw delivers a consistent and premium experience.

    “Disposable vapes have contributed significantly to electronic waste, but with VLT, we’re giving consumers the power to not only save money but also reduce their carbon footprint. VLT offers a premium, sustainable experience without sacrificing convenience or affordability,” Wang stated in a release. “It’s an ideal solution for multi-state operators (MSOs), single-state operators (SSOs), and brands seeking sustainable growth while offering consumers a smarter, eco-friendly alternative to disposables.

  • CAPHRA Calls on Mongolia to Adopt THR Policy

    CAPHRA Calls on Mongolia to Adopt THR Policy

    Credit: Zero Photo

    The Coalition of Asia Pacific Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) has called on the Mongolian government to reassess its stance on tobacco harm reduction (THR) products. CAPHRA cites evidence from Japan that demonstrates significant health and economic benefits from embracing safer alternatives to smoking.

    A recent study published in the journal Healthcare indicates that if 50 percent of smokers in Japan switched from combustible cigarettes to heated tobacco products (HTPs), it could prevent 12 million patient cases and save JPY 454 billion ($2.95 billion) in healthcare costs. This data underscores the immense potential of THR strategies in countries with high smoking rates.

    Nancy Loucas, Executive Coordinator of CAPHRA, stated, “The Japanese example clearly illustrates that safer nicotine products can be an effective harm reduction tool in nations where smoking prevalence remains high and other safer nicotine products are unavailable.”

    Mongolia, which faces significant tobacco-related health issues, could greatly benefit from adopting a more progressive approach to THR. Despite the adoption of a Tobacco Control Law in 2005 and a ban on indoor smoking since 2015, enforcement remains weak. Cigarettes are still sold near schools without regulation, and there is no violation monitoring or fines.