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Tag: vape

  • Study: Young Dutch Vapers Unaware of Nicotine

    Study: Young Dutch Vapers Unaware of Nicotine

    A study in the Netherlands found that nearly 40 percent of young people who vape monthly do not know if their e-cigarette contains nicotine, according to a report from the Trimbos Institute. The findings, which expand on 2023 data, highlight a significant gap in awareness about the potentially addictive substance.

    “Young people seem less aware of the nicotine in vapes. This is a serious issue because once addicted, it is very difficult to quit,” said Esther Croes, a tobacco expert at the Trimbos Institute. She added that nicotine use can disrupt brain development in the long term.

    The report surveyed Dutch youth between the ages of 12 and 25 who vape at least once a month. While many said they continue vaping because they enjoy it, nearly 40 percent admitted they did not know whether their device contained nicotine. Additionally, more than two-thirds of respondents said they do not feel addicted.

    According to NL Times, data shows that young people feel more addicted to traditional cigarettes than to vapes. Among those who vape monthly, only 28 percent reported feeling addicted, compared to 50 percent of cigarette smokers. Despite these figures, addiction experts warn that nicotine dependence may develop gradually, and that young people may underestimate the difficulty of quitting.

    According to the study, many respondents cited flavors as their main reason for starting. Social influence and curiosity were also key factors.

  • Vapers Bid to Block Iowa E-Cig Regulation

    Vapers Bid to Block Iowa E-Cig Regulation

    Yesterday (March 10), the state of Iowa urged a federal court to deny a motion from a group of vape interests seeking to block enforcement of a newly enacted law prohibiting the sale of e-cigarette products that lack federal authorization, according to Mike Curley for Law360.

    In December, a group called Alternatives to Smoking & Tobacco Inc. filed an injunction against the state of Iowa over HF 2677, which says products not authorized by the FDA are illegal and can’t be sold. The suit says the state violated the U.S. Constitution’s supremacy clause by usurping federal authority as only the FDA has the authority to govern what kinds of e-cigarettes are sold.

    The state argued that because the FDA has not authorized the plaintiffs’ products, those products are illegal and there is no judicial right to buy or sell an illegal product, “and while the FDA may be deferring enforcement, that does not create a binding effect or a legally cognizable right, the state argued, so the plaintiffs lack standing.”

    The state further argued that the plaintiffs haven’t shown they stand to suffer irreparable harm, as the sellers have not alleged they sell FDA-compliant vapes, and thus wouldn’t be able to sell them anyway, while the buyers have more options available than just these vape products if they wish to quit smoking, Curley wrote.

    In February, the parties filed a joint motion to drop the initial injunction as the plaintiffs later that week filed a new motion and supporting brief, arguing HF 2677 runs afoul of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and also violates the Equal Protection clause by treating some vape makers and sellers differently than others.

    In Monday’s brief, the state argued that no such preemption exists, as it has long been the state’s purview to police the sale of tobacco and tobacco-related powers, and the FDCA contains explicit carveouts allowing states to create stricter regulations for their sale and use.

  • Thailand Turns Up Fight Against Vapes

    Thailand Turns Up Fight Against Vapes

    Thailand’s Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai chaired a meeting with 20 government agencies for the second consecutive week, discussing measures to curb the spread of e-cigarettes. Sindhuprai said they are focusing on three key strategies: strict law enforcement cracking down on illegal e-cigarettes, preventive efforts to curb their spread, and related legal reforms. She also said a proposal to set up a special committee overseeing these efforts has been submitted.

    Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society Ministry blocked more than 9,000 web pages illegally selling e-cigarettes and is working with entrepreneurs to prevent search terms related to such products and shut down websites that attempt to sell them. They are also increasing enforcement on logistics companies that are required to display clear notices prohibiting the shipment of e-cigarettes and accessories, have enhanced security measures, scan suspicious packages, and retain sender data for at least 30 days.

    According to Royal Thai Police, there were 666 vape-related cases between Feb. 26 and March 4, with 690 suspects arrested and 454,958 items worth over 41 million baht ($1.2 million) seized.

  • Philippines Looks to Tighten Vape Import Laws 

    Philippines Looks to Tighten Vape Import Laws 

    Potential new requirements have been drafted in an administrative order to tighten measures against the illegal trade of vape products, promote consumer safety, and streamline import procedures in the Philippines. Today (March 10), the Department of Trade and Industry asked the public and stakeholders to help provide insights for its amended documentary requirements in the issuance of a Statement of Confirmation (SOC) for product importers. The SOC is a mandatory certification that verifies the legitimacy and compliance of imported vape products and tobacco items.

    In the proposed order, importers would need to submit an expanded set of documents consisting of a packing list, commercial invoice, bill of lading/airway bill, production batch details, and a valid Philippine Standard License. Additional compliance requirements include a P150,000 ($2,550) surety bond, a valid certificate of registration from the Bureau of Customs, proof of billing and ownership, or lease of warehouse space, and an excise tax return with a Bureau of Internal Revenue stamp.

  • Texas: Expanded Medical Marijuana Bill Opens Door for Vape

    Texas: Expanded Medical Marijuana Bill Opens Door for Vape

    Medical cannabis grower Texas Original today announced its support of Texas Senate Bill 1505 which would improve patient access to medical cannabis. In particular, it would allow the use of aerosol and vapor as a means of administering low-level THC cannabis when medically necessary, saying “these medical products offer immediate relief, which is critical for patients with episodic conditions such as PTSD.”

    The bill, which was heard by the Senate Committee on State Affairs on March 3, proposes amendments to the Texas Compassionate Use Program (CUP).

    “Senate Bill 1505 proposes crucial improvements to the Compassionate Use Program that will benefit patients throughout the state,” said Nico Richardson, CEO of Texas Original. “We are grateful to Senator Charles Perry for his meaningful amendments. These changes will make the program more accessible and bring relief to the patients who rely on it for their medical care.”

    The new bill would also allow for satellite locations where medicine can be stored, improving patient access and reducing medicine costs, and aligning dosing with other prescription medications by capping THC by milligrams instead of by weight.

  • Bloom Vape Available in Missouri

    Bloom Vape Available in Missouri

    Bloom and BRB Missouri today (March 6) announced a partnership to bring Bloom’s vape lines to the Missouri recreational market. The products are already available for cannabis consumers across Missouri, the ninth state where Bloom is available.

    BRB Missouri is a manufacturing partner for BellRock Brands. Bloom will mark the third brand and only vape-focused brand in BRB Missouri’s portfolio. BellRock Brands’ products are currently sold and marketed in 11 states and Canada.

    “The potential in Missouri and the Midwest overall is exciting to Bloom,” said Casey Ly, CEO and co-founder of Bloom. “As we continue to focus on expansion, it is imperative we’re working with partners like BellRock who focus on best-in-class execution and a customer first approach.”

    Bloom will launch six strains across two collections under their flagship product, The One Gram Surf.

    “Always on the vanguard of innovation and design, Bloom is a leader and trusted brand within the cannabis market,” said Sat Joshi, board member of BRB Missouri. “As the Missouri market continues to grow, customers are demanding more sophisticated options that fit their lifestyle and needs. Bloom’s strong brand positioning and rigorous operating standards make it the perfect addition to our portfolio here in Missouri.”

  • Taiwan Bill to Strengthen E-Cig Regs

    Taiwan Bill to Strengthen E-Cig Regs

    Today, Taiwan’s  Health Promotion Administration (HPA) proposed an amendment to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act (THP) to strengthen regulations against e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The proposal allows the direct confiscation and destruction of these products and enhances online supervision, Tobacco Control Division head Lo Su-ying said.

    The THP was amended in 2023 to prohibit the manufacture, import, sale, display, advertisement, and use of e-cigarettes and unapproved heated tobacco products. Since then, more than 600,000 fines totaling $11.2 million have been issued, however, currently, the contraband items cannot be confiscated but are instead returned to the owner. The proposed amendment would fill in this loophole, facilitating the accelerated confiscation and destruction of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, Lo said.

    The new proposal would also stipulate that internet service providers must remove illegal tobacco advertisements and restrict access to related content. 

  • Study: E-Cigs Elevate Cancer-Causing Pathways

    Study: E-Cigs Elevate Cancer-Causing Pathways

    A new study from researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center published in Scientific Reports suggests an elevation of carcinogenic cellular signaling pathways with e-cigarette users when compared to non-users. Dongmei Li, the director of Translational Science Statistical Support Services for the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, said little is known about how exclusive e-cigarette use affects exosomal microRNAs, which regulate genes that influence cancer-causing pathways.

    By comparing exosomal microRNA profiles between exclusive e-cigarette users and non-users, the researchers identified several exosomal microRNAs that are upregulated—more active than normal—in exclusive e-cigarette users. These overactive microRNAs are involved in cancer pathways, suggesting an elevation of carcinogenic cellular signaling pathways in exclusive e-cigarette users.

    “Our results contribute significantly to understanding the potential health risks of e-cigarette use and should be considered by medical professionals and the public to protect public health,” Li said. “Our study results will spark further investigations into the impact of exclusive e-cigarette use on plasma exosomal miRNAs and other biomarkers related to cancer risks, which will help us better understand the toxicity of e-cigarette use.”

    This study was funded by an R21 grant from the National Institutes of Health

  • Charlie’s Holdings Receives PMTA Acceptance Filings for 11 Products

    Charlie’s Holdings Receives PMTA Acceptance Filings for 11 Products

    Charlie’s Holdings, Inc. announced today that it received acceptance filings for 11 of its best-selling flavored PACHA Disposables brands from the Center for Tobacco Products of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Charlie’s has received more than 700 acceptance filings for its PMTA submissions.

    The FDA has received PMTAs for nearly 27 million electronic nicotine delivery system products and has made determinations on more than 99% of the applications. However, the FDA has authorized fewer than three dozen tobacco- and menthol-flavored e-cigarette products and devices. To date, no company in the world has received an FDA marketing order for a flavored (non-tobacco or non-menthol) disposable vape product.

  • Riot Labs Launches “Supercharged” Line of Flavors

    Riot Labs Launches “Supercharged” Line of Flavors

    Riot Labs launched its “supercharged” Riot X flavor collection for 2025, featuring 12 maximum-intensity flavors that the company says will deliver the “purest, punchiest hit of flavor on the market.” The company says it has a “massive opportunity” to support vapers as June’s impending ban on disposable products in the U.K. nears.

    “Amid increased government regulation on the sector, we must not forget the hundreds of thousands of adult smokers who use vaping, proven to be the most effective quitting tool, as part of their quitting journey,” said Ben Johnson, CEO and Founder of Riot Labs. “In a pivotal year, choice of flavor plays a crucial role in smokers turning to vaping to help them kick the habit and it’s the perfect moment to launch Riot X to help consumers who will inevitably need to move to pods or refillables to maintain their quitting efforts.”

    According to Riot Labs, its team spent years perfecting the blends of each e-liquid to produce “maximum intensity with maximum clarity,” allowing every layer of the flavor to shine through.

    The flavors include: Blackcurrant & Passionfruit, Cherry Ice, Strawberry & Melon Chew, Sour Pineapple Razz, Blueberry & Peach Fizz, Orange & Raspberry Ice, Blueberry Sour Strawberry, Morello Cherry & Banana, Grape & Strawberry, Cola Ice, Sweet Mint and Dark Fruits. Nicotine strengths of 5mg, 10mg and 20mg will be available starting from an RRP of £3.99.