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Michigan Governor budget to seek major tax hikes on tobacco, vaping and gaming to address Medicaid gap

Michigan Governor budget to seek major tax hikes on tobacco, vaping and gaming to address Medicaid gap
Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget includes significant tax hikes on tobacco and gaming to address a projected $1.8 billion shortfall in Michigan’s Medicaid funding, the report said. The plan calls for raising the per-pack cigarette tax from $2 to $3 and increasing the wholesale tax on other tobacco products from 32% to 57%.
Feb.12
Malaysian police raids across five states: 51 held and over RM1 million in vapes seized

Malaysian police raids across five states: 51 held and over RM1 million in vapes seized
Police in Malaysia detained 51 individuals and seized over RM1 million worth of electronic cigarettes and liquid refills in a five-state operation dubbed “Op E-CIG,” conducted by the GOF Central Brigade on February 10. The report said the operation involved 30 raids across Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Melaka, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Authorities seized 2,263 vape units and 165.463 litres of liquid.
Feb.12
European survey: current e-cigarette use among 15–19-year-olds rises from 14% (2019) to 22% (2024)

European survey: current e-cigarette use among 15–19-year-olds rises from 14% (2019) to 22% (2024)
A European study cited in the report says the share of young people aged 15 to 19 who are current e-cigarette users increased from 14% in 2019 to 22% in 2024, with Italy reflecting the broader European pattern. Over the same period, conventional cigarette smoking among young people is described as declining, with the proportion of students who have smoked at least once in their lifetime falling sharply from 1995 to 2024, and the largest drop occurring between 2019 and 2024.
Feb.12
NYC makers turn discarded disposable vapes into “Vape Synth” mini digital instruments

NYC makers turn discarded disposable vapes into “Vape Synth” mini digital instruments
The report says disposable vapes are sold at more than 11 million units per month and often end up in landfills after flavored nicotine juice runs out, along with lithium-ion batteries, microcontrollers, and LEDs, increasing the risk of waste fires. A New York City maker trio known as Paper Bag Team has built “Vape Synth” by cracking open spent Elf Bar cartridges—specifically the EB BC5000—and hacking them into tiny digital instruments.
Feb.12
India Tobacco Board urges Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to revisit cigarette duty hike

India Tobacco Board urges Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to revisit cigarette duty hike
The Tobacco Board, under the administrative control of India’s Department of Commerce, has written to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (Nirmala Sitharaman) flagging the adverse impact of an “unprecedented” increase in cigarette excise duties on the industry and on millions of farmers and workers, and urging a revision of duty rates.
Feb.11
Japan Tobacco Expands Heated Tobacco Customization Strategy with Artist-Led Limited Editions

Japan Tobacco Expands Heated Tobacco Customization Strategy with Artist-Led Limited Editions
Japan Tobacco has launched a limited-edition Ploom AURA front panel series in collaboration with musician Ichiro Yamaguchi, featuring five customized designs incorporating brass, Kutani ware, verdigris, kintsugi, and rosewood motifs. Two editions are available through retail channels, while three are distributed via a membership lottery system. The initiative highlights JT’s growing focus on exterior customization and design partnerships as part of its broader heated tobacco brand strategy.
Feb.11
South Korea online purchasing fuels spread among younger groups; online drug cases share climbs

South Korea online purchasing fuels spread among younger groups; online drug cases share climbs
Police said detections of new drugs disguised as e-cigarettes reached 1,206 cases through September last year, up from 941 in 2022, and the number of detected drug types increased from 26 to 33 over the same period.
Feb.11
Glasgow bin lorry fires spark calls to broaden vape and battery disposal messaging

Glasgow bin lorry fires spark calls to broaden vape and battery disposal messaging
Glasgow residents have been warned that throwing batteries and vapes away at home can endanger refuse workers, amid bin lorries catching fire. The city council said it will launch a communications campaign next month to tell people to place batteries in special bins at supermarkets or household waste recycling centres, supported by a dedicated web page listing other disposal sites.
Feb.11
Malaysia joint operation seized $19,000 worth of vape liquid in Likas

Malaysia joint operation seized $19,000 worth of vape liquid in Likas
More than 2,300 units of vape liquid worth over RM75,000 were seized during an integrated operation at premises in Likas near Kota Kinabalu. During Ops Taring Landai E-Cigarette Mega on Feb 10 night, the Marine Police, Sabah Health Department officials and district police detected a shop displaying 92 types of vape pods and, after further searches, found 2,353 units of vape liquid stored on the premises.
Feb.11
KDCA youth panel: health indicators worsen with grade level; liquid e-cigarette use tops cigarettes among 11th-grade students

KDCA youth panel: health indicators worsen with grade level; liquid e-cigarette use tops cigarettes among 11th-grade students
Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s Youth Health Panel Survey (2025) Final Results Report says key adolescent health indicators worsen as students move up grade levels. By 11th grade, lifetime tobacco experience rose to 9.59%. Among 11th-grade girls, current use of liquid e-cigarettes (1.54%) surpassed conventional cigarettes (1.33%) for the first time.
Feb.10
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