Latest news with #WorldVapeDay
Focus Malaysia
06-06-2025
- Health
- Focus Malaysia
State-wide vape ban will not work; it'll only proliferate illicit drug-induced products
THE Malaysian Vapers Alliance (MVA) – a non-profit advocacy group that supports vaping s to help smokers quit – has opposed ban sale of vape products by state governments while calling on state policymakers to work alongside the federal government to regulate vape products in Malaysia. This is because a ban on sale of vape products by stopping the issuance of business licence for local traders will only create negative consequences especially when the federal government has already enacted laws to regulate vape products, according to MVA's president Khairil Azizi Khairuddin. 'Consumers want access to regulated products. But this situation will only force consumers to seek products from alternative source including illegal channels which will lead to flourishing of illegal vape products and underground market,' he envisages. MVA further revealed that banned substance, notably products laced and infused with drugs are not sold in vape shops but on online platforms including social media channels and applications such as Telegram. Last year alone, the Home Minister had during a Dewan Rakyat session cited a study by Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital which found that 65% of underage vape users in Kelantan were found to be vaping a substance known as magic mushrooms although the state has stopped licence issuance for vape shops and vape trading since 2015. 'Clearly, the ban on vape shops is not the right solution,' asserted Khairil. 'Instead, the authorities should ensure that only regulated vape products are available for sale in vape shops, increase enforcement efforts against the sale of products laced and infused with drugs on those channels, and by imposing heavy penalties including mandatory jail term for those involved.' Harm reduction is the way to go In a related development, MVA also stressed that the use of vape products should not be confused with drug use as data has shown that countries embracing harm reduction like Sweden, the UK and New Zealand are seeing record drops in smoking rates. 'Research from leading health authorities confirms vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking in addition to be more effective than traditional nicotine replacement therapies,' observed Khairil. 'However, banning risks pushing people back to cigarettes. As the evidence mounts, it's impossible to ignore the transformation that harm reduction has brought to public health.' In Sweden, for example, the widespread use of less harmful nicotine products has nearly eliminated smoking while New Zealand is on the path to a smoke-free future. 'The data is clear: when adults have access to regulated vaping products, smoking rates fall faster, more lives are saved and health inequalities are reduced. Yet, too often, these success stories are left out of the any conversation,' lamented Khairil. 'Coinciding with the recent World Vape Day on May 30, we urge policymakers to put facts before fear, to listen to the real experiences of people who have quit and address the issue with the real solution instead of stopping licence issuance to traders for sale of vape products.' – June 4, 2025 Images credit: Malaysian Vapers Alliance/Facebook
Hamilton Spectator
30-05-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Canadian Vaping Association Highlights Plans to Reduce Youth Vaping Rates on World Vape Day
Ottawa, ON, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On World Vape Day, the Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) celebrates the continued decline in youth vaping rates, as reported in Statistics Canada's 2025 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth (published March 26, 2025). This progress (achieved without flavour bans) demonstrates the success of balanced policies that prioritize both youth protection and harm reduction for adult smokers. 'World Vape Day and World No Tobacco Day are pivotal moments to recognize vaping's role in harm reduction and advancing Health Canada's goal of reducing smoking rates to less than 5% by 2035,' said Sam Tam, President of the Canadian Vaping Association. With 1.9 million adult vapers in Canada, vaping remains one of the most effective harm reduction tools available. However, recent calls for a nationwide flavour ban, based on misrepresented youth vaping data, threatens to reverse this progress. 'Claims that the industry targets youth with appealing flavours are false and irresponsible. Vape flavour marketing to youth is illegal under the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act and compliant businesses adhere strictly to these regulations,' Tam emphasized. Evidence from jurisdictions with flavour bans shows such policies fail to reduce youth vaping. Instead, they fuel illicit markets and force former smokers back to combustible cigarettes. Youth Vaping Rates Continue to Decline Statistics Canada data reveals a nearly 50% relative decline in youth vaping since 2019, a trend that contradicts current alarmist narratives. The CVA urges policymakers to focus on enforcement, education, and harm reduction rather than prohibition entirely. Health Canada has indicated the main reasons why youth experiment with vaping is because of peer pressure that stems from school stress, home life and responsibilities, family pressures, social media and desire to fit in and feel accepted by friends. Like underage use of alcohol or cannabis, addressing underage vaping requires targeted strategies, something a flavour ban will not solve. Today, on World Vape Day, the CVA reaffirms its support for Health Canada's Youth Vaping Prevention and Education Initiative , which provides free toolkits and online resources for parents, educators, and community leaders to educate youth on vaping risks. The 'I quit for me' program includes a guide for youth as well as a comprehensive Facilitator's guide for group programs A Balanced Path Forward The CVA advocates for policies that: 'Destroying a proven harm reduction tool is not the solution. Canada must continue its progress through smart regulation, not prohibition,' said Sam Tam. 'We call on all stakeholders—health organizations, public health officials, and even tobacco companies—to unite behind Health Canada's youth prevention resources. By aligning under one evidence-based program, we can further reduce youth vaping nationwide.' For youth vaping prevention resources, visit Health Canada's website: . About the Canadian Vaping Association The Canadian Vaping Association is the national voice for the vaping industry, advocating for sensible regulations that balance adult harm reduction with youth protection and education.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Canadian Vaping Association Highlights Plans to Reduce Youth Vaping Rates on World Vape Day
Ottawa, ON, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On World Vape Day, the Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) celebrates the continued decline in youth vaping rates, as reported in Statistics Canada's 2025 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth (published March 26, 2025). This progress (achieved without flavour bans) demonstrates the success of balanced policies that prioritize both youth protection and harm reduction for adult smokers. 'World Vape Day and World No Tobacco Day are pivotal moments to recognize vaping's role in harm reduction and advancing Health Canada's goal of reducing smoking rates to less than 5% by 2035,' said Sam Tam, President of the Canadian Vaping Association. With 1.9 million adult vapers in Canada, vaping remains one of the most effective harm reduction tools available. However, recent calls for a nationwide flavour ban, based on misrepresented youth vaping data, threatens to reverse this progress. 'Claims that the industry targets youth with appealing flavours are false and irresponsible. Vape flavour marketing to youth is illegal under the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act and compliant businesses adhere strictly to these regulations,' Tam emphasized. Evidence from jurisdictions with flavour bans shows such policies fail to reduce youth vaping. Instead, they fuel illicit markets and force former smokers back to combustible cigarettes. Youth Vaping Rates Continue to Decline Statistics Canada data reveals a nearly 50% relative decline in youth vaping since 2019, a trend that contradicts current alarmist narratives. The CVA urges policymakers to focus on enforcement, education, and harm reduction rather than prohibition entirely. Health Canada has indicated the main reasons why youth experiment with vaping is because of peer pressure that stems from school stress, home life and responsibilities, family pressures, social media and desire to fit in and feel accepted by friends. Like underage use of alcohol or cannabis, addressing underage vaping requires targeted strategies, something a flavour ban will not solve. Today, on World Vape Day, the CVA reaffirms its support for Health Canada's Youth Vaping Prevention and Education Initiative, which provides free toolkits and online resources for parents, educators, and community leaders to educate youth on vaping risks. The 'I quit for me' program includes a guide for youth as well as a comprehensive Facilitator's guide for group programs A Balanced Path Forward The CVA advocates for policies that: - Strengthen enforcement against underage sales and illicit products; - Expand youth-focused education on vaping risks; - Preserve flavoured vaping options for adults seeking harm reduction products. 'Destroying a proven harm reduction tool is not the solution. Canada must continue its progress through smart regulation, not prohibition,' said Sam Tam. 'We call on all stakeholders—health organizations, public health officials, and even tobacco companies—to unite behind Health Canada's youth prevention resources. By aligning under one evidence-based program, we can further reduce youth vaping nationwide.' For youth vaping prevention resources, visit Health Canada's website: About the Canadian Vaping Association The Canadian Vaping Association is the national voice for the vaping industry, advocating for sensible regulations that balance adult harm reduction with youth protection and education. CONTACT: Ashley Bouman The Canadian Vaping Association abouman@
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
World Vape Day 2025 Marks 20 Years of Tobacco Harm Reduction Progress
World Vape Day 2025 BRUSSELS, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the global vaping community celebrates World Vape Day 2025, highlighting two decades of innovation and scientific advancement in tobacco harm reduction. This year's theme, '20 Years of Facts', underscores the growing body of evidence supporting vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking and its role in helping millions of adults quit combustible tobacco. World Vape Day is celebrated one day before World No Tobacco Day, emphasising the importance of evidence-based harm reduction tools in the fight against smoking-related disease. Since the introduction of modern vaping devices in 2003 and their subsequent arrival and uptake in Europe and the US, vaping has become a cornerstone of smoking cessation worldwide. Countries such as Sweden, the UK, and New Zealand, which have embraced tobacco harm reduction policies and ensured access to regulated vaping products, now report record-low smoking rates. Sweden, for example, is poised to become the first smoke-free country in Europe, defined as having fewer than 5% daily smokers—an achievement attributed to widespread acceptance of safer nicotine alternatives. In contrast, nations with restrictive policies continue to lag behind in reducing smoking prevalence. Despite robust scientific consensus, misinformation and regulatory barriers persist. Many health advocates warn that bans and flavour restrictions risk reversing progress by pushing former smokers back to cigarettes. 'Persistent misperceptions about the relative risks of vaping versus smoking remain a significant challenge, with studies showing that a majority of smokers in many countries still believe vaping is as harmful or more harmful than smoking,' commented Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers' Alliance. World Vape Day is a reminder for policymakers, public health officials, and the media to prioritise facts over fear and to recognise the real-world impact and potentials of harm reduction. Advocates stress that an inclusive, evidence-based approach is essential to accelerate progress towards global smoke-free goals and to ensure that adult smokers have access to effective alternatives. For more information, campaign resources, and a full list of 20 facts about vaping and harm reduction, visit Media Contact: Michael Landl World Vapers' Alliance info@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
World Vape Day 2025 Marks 20 Years of Tobacco Harm Reduction Progress
World Vape Day 2025 BRUSSELS, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the global vaping community celebrates World Vape Day 2025, highlighting two decades of innovation and scientific advancement in tobacco harm reduction. This year's theme, '20 Years of Facts', underscores the growing body of evidence supporting vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking and its role in helping millions of adults quit combustible tobacco. World Vape Day is celebrated one day before World No Tobacco Day, emphasising the importance of evidence-based harm reduction tools in the fight against smoking-related disease. Since the introduction of modern vaping devices in 2003 and their subsequent arrival and uptake in Europe and the US, vaping has become a cornerstone of smoking cessation worldwide. Countries such as Sweden, the UK, and New Zealand, which have embraced tobacco harm reduction policies and ensured access to regulated vaping products, now report record-low smoking rates. Sweden, for example, is poised to become the first smoke-free country in Europe, defined as having fewer than 5% daily smokers—an achievement attributed to widespread acceptance of safer nicotine alternatives. In contrast, nations with restrictive policies continue to lag behind in reducing smoking prevalence. Despite robust scientific consensus, misinformation and regulatory barriers persist. Many health advocates warn that bans and flavour restrictions risk reversing progress by pushing former smokers back to cigarettes. 'Persistent misperceptions about the relative risks of vaping versus smoking remain a significant challenge, with studies showing that a majority of smokers in many countries still believe vaping is as harmful or more harmful than smoking,' commented Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers' Alliance. World Vape Day is a reminder for policymakers, public health officials, and the media to prioritise facts over fear and to recognise the real-world impact and potentials of harm reduction. Advocates stress that an inclusive, evidence-based approach is essential to accelerate progress towards global smoke-free goals and to ensure that adult smokers have access to effective alternatives. For more information, campaign resources, and a full list of 20 facts about vaping and harm reduction, visit Media Contact: Michael Landl World Vapers' Alliance info@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
