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  • Florida AG Moves to Block Marijuana Legalization from Ballot

    Florida AG Moves to Block Marijuana Legalization from Ballot

    Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier urged the state Supreme Court to block a new recreational marijuana legalization initiative from reaching the ballot, calling it “fatally flawed,” misleading to voters, and unconstitutional. In a 75-page brief, Uthmeier argued the proposal—backed by Smart & Safe Florida and largely funded by medical cannabis operator Trulieve—violates Florida’s single-subject rule, misrepresents restrictions on public use, and conflicts with federal law under the Controlled Substances Act.

    Uthmeier’s position is supported by a coalition of business and anti-drug groups, which contend the initiative would improperly legalize and commercialize cannabis while obligating the state to license federally illegal activity. Opponents say the ballot summary falsely implies a broad ban on public consumption, lacks enforcement mechanisms, and bundles unrelated policy changes—such as advertising limits and business licensing—into a single constitutional amendment.

    The legal challenge comes as Smart & Safe Florida races to meet a February 1 deadline to submit nearly 880,000 valid signatures, amid disputes over tens of thousands of signatures invalidated by state officials. The measure follows a similar 2024 proposal that won a majority but failed to clear Florida’s 60% approval threshold. While polling continues to show strong public support for legalization, the Supreme Court’s ruling will determine whether voters get another chance to decide the issue in 2026.

  • Mexico Debates Vaping Ban Amid Constitutional Reform

    Mexico Debates Vaping Ban Amid Constitutional Reform

    Mexico is moving toward a decisive stance on e-cigarettes and vaping as lawmakers prepare to define whether the industry will be regulated or banned. A recent constitutional reform, supported by most major parties, criminalizes the production, distribution, and sale of electronic cigarettes, vape devices, and unauthorized toxic substances. Movimiento Ciudadano remains the only party opposing the measure.

    The reform modifies Articles 4 and 5 of the Constitution and frames vaping alongside fentanyl misuse, prompting critics to argue that it reflects a global prohibitionist approach rather than a domestic evidence-based policy. Secondary legislation under the General Health Law will now determine the practical scope of the ban or regulation.

    Public health experts and advocacy groups, including the World Vapers’ Alliance, argue that intelligent regulation could reduce illicit trade, protect adult consumers, and generate significant tax revenue—estimated at up to MX$6.94 billion ($374.8 million) annually.

    The debate also highlights the potential for vaping technology in medical applications, such as inhaled drug delivery for conditions like asthma, migraines, and pain management, though regulatory and consumer acceptance challenges remain.

  • Denver Flavor Ban to be Decided by Voters

    Denver Flavor Ban to be Decided by Voters

    In December 2024, the Denver City Council voted 11-1 to ban flavored tobacco products. Since then, a group of business owners led by Phil Guerin, the owner of Myxed Up Creations smoke shop, has been battling to have the decision on whether the ban should be enforced left to the voters.

    To push the matter to a vote, the business owners needed to collect about 9,500 signatures on a petition. Their coalition, called Citizen Power, collected more than 17,000 signatures. Today (April 10), the city declared that the petition is sufficient, but, according to Ben Warwick with Denver’s Clerk and Recorder’s Office, is waiting until a protest period ends Friday before formally notifying the city council. Warwick said it will then be up to the city council to determine the election date. The next general election is set for this November.

    “We are fighting David versus Goliath, and we are David,” said Guerin, adding that flavored products account for about half of his business. “I’ve been able to go around and talk to a lot of my competitors and bring us all under the same tent.

    “There’s already a ban for children. This is a ban on adults, and honestly, this is a ban on small, family-owned businesses. If we lost that business, it would be almost impossible to sustain after that point.”

  • Last-Second Petition Filed to Stop Flavor Ban in Denver

    Last-Second Petition Filed to Stop Flavor Ban in Denver

    One day before a flavored tobacco ban is set to go into effect in Denver, vape and tobacco store owners have filed a petition with more than 17,000 signatures asking to delay the ban so voters can decide on it in November’s election. Less than 9,500 signatures are required to get a question on the ballot.

    “It asks if the ban should be upheld and we are saying no, it should not be,” Phil Guerin, Owner of Myxed Up Creations and president of the Smoke-Free Alliance Colorado said about the potential ballot question. “Let’s let the voters decide. I feel like city council has made a lot of bad decisions when it comes to the economy and just the future of our city. We’re here to stand up for our city and stand up for what we believe in.”

    Vape store owners and manufacturers argued that city council members rushed the ban on flavored tobacco purchases as last year ended, and that the city will miss out on $13 million in annual revenue if the ban is upheld.

    According to KDVR’s Gabrielle Franklin, those against the ban would face major opposition, though, as “the City Council’s near-unanimous decision and signature into law by Denver Mayor Mike Johnston to end the sale of flavored tobacco reflect the will of our community, with over 100 organizations endorsing the measure and nearly two-thirds of Denver voters indicating their support.”

  • NC Tobacco Growers to Vote on Assessment

    NC Tobacco Growers to Vote on Assessment

    North Carolina tobacco growers will decide this month whether to continue assessing themselves to support export promotion. It was announced today (February 11) that a referendum will take place February 19 at the Johnston County Agricultural Building, in Smithfield.

    For years, growers of flue-cured tobacco have assessed themselves to fund Tobacco Associates Inc., which seeks to promote and expand the export of U.S. leaf. If farmers approve the assessment, it will be no more than one-fifth of one cent per pound. The assessment would continue until the next vote in 2029.