Anti-Vaping Legislation Introduced in Alabama Legislature

In the battle against the rising popularity of vaping as an alternative to smoking, Alabama lawmakers are currently engaged in a debate over an amendment to existing laws. State Senator Vivian Figures (D-Mobile) has proposed a crucial change to Section 28-11-14 of the Code of Alabama 1975. This amendment aims to make it illegal for individuals under the age of 21 to engage in any activities related to vaping, including purchasing, using, possessing, or transporting vaping devices, materials, and substances such as e-liquids, CBD oil, nicotine salt, or any other inhalable substances associated with vaping. Senator Figures, driven by a desire to safeguard the health of minors, seeks to eliminate underage access to vaping devices. This article will explore the reasons behind this legislative proposal, the dangers of underage vaping, and the implications it may have on the youth of Alabama.

The U.K.'s Disposable Vape Problem

Disposable e-cigarettes are a growing problem in Canada, not only because they fuel nicotine addiction among youth and give Big Tobacco companies new ways to market their products, but also because they're a major environmental liability.

Canada is trying to meet an ambitious goal of zero plastic waste by 2030 by introducing a ban on the use of single-use plastics like grocery bags and straws. But plastic disposable e-cigarettes are complicating these efforts, largely because the vaping industry, which produces millions of these devices a year, has no way to recycle them effectively.

Major Crackdown on Youth Vaping in Schools Looms: Urgent Action Needed

A sweeping crackdown on vaping in schools is imminent as Federal Education Minister Jason Clare states that the issue is causing distractions in the classroom and behavioral issues among students. Minister Clare, alongside Minister for Early Childhood Education and Youth, Dr. Anne Aly, describes vaping as a "massive issue" in Australian schools.

Australia's New Anti-Smoking Reforms: Ban on Recreational Vaping in Big Tobacco Crackdown

Australia has launched a crackdown on vaping and e-cigarettes, which it accuses tobacco companies of using to deliberately target teenagers and hook them onto nicotine. These measures are being billed as the largest anti-smoking reforms in a decade.

Australia's Anti-Smoking Reforms

Australia has been at the forefront of anti-smoking efforts for a long time. In 2012, it became the first country to introduce “plain packaging” laws for cigarettes, which has since been copied by the UK, France, and others. However, in recent years, Australia has struggled to contain the rising popularity of recreational vaping, especially among teenagers. Health Minister Mark Butler has highlighted that vaping has become the number one behavioral issue in high schools, and it is becoming increasingly widespread in primary schools.