Nicotine Science and Policy

French consumer vaping organization SOVAPE is closing down due to obstacles including restrictions on conducting surveys and unfounded accusations. Established in 2016, SOVAPE organized vape summits and contributed to tobacco harm reduction efforts. Despite aiding in raising awareness about vaping benefits, the organization faced attacks and misinformation. Its final donations will support health organizations and vaping groups. Recent surveys showed high recognition of vaping's effectiveness in smoking cessation, but misinformation persists. SOVAPE regrets the inability to continue promoting harm reduction in France but remains proud of its efforts to save lives through vaping advocacy.

It’s a move that has left nicotine pouch users scrambling. In late August, Canadian Health Minister Mark Holland followed through on his March threat to severely limit the availability of nicotine pouches, citing the need to protect youth. The new restrictions ban the sale of nicotine pouches at all retail locations, allowing access only behind the pharmacy counter. As a result, thousands are now without access to this critical safer nicotine product.

A former smoker shares their journey of quitting cigarettes after being diagnosed with a blood clot. Despite failed attempts using traditional methods, they successfully quit through vaping. Working at a vape store, they helped others quit smoking. While youth vaping rates have decreased, adults looking for safer alternatives are often overlooked. Advocates argue for approval of vaping products to aid adult smokers in harm reduction. Sharing personal experiences emphasizes the importance of advocating for vaping as a crucial option for adults seeking to quit smoking. The narrator stresses the need for adult voices in the discussion on harm reduction to provide all smokers with a chance to quit.

The vaping industry markets illegal flavors to Americans, leading to concerns about youth nicotine addiction. Despite some FDA scrutiny, vapes are seen as a tool to help smokers quit, offering more effective nicotine delivery than traditional aids. Flavored vapes attract both smokers and non-smokers, with some flavored options enticing users. While potential risks and lack of strict regulations exist, vapes may still be preferable to cigarettes for harm reduction. Public health groups remain cautious, and seeking presidential support for vaping could aid in its acceptance. Vapes face uncertainty in regulations, with the debate ongoing about their long-term efficacy and safety compared to traditional smoking cessation methods.

California passed two new laws, AB 3218 and SB 1230, tightening restrictions on vaping and nicotine pouch sales. Effective January 1, 2025, the laws ban non-menthol coolants, nicotine analogs like Metatine, and online sales of flavored products. The legislation expands the state's flavored tobacco ban, regulates synthetic nicotine, and introduces on-the-spot fines for violators. A "unflavored tobacco list" will restrict sales to approved products only, enforced by authorities empowered to seize illegal items. The laws aim to combat cigarette smuggling but may fuel a black market. Cannabis and hookah products are exempt, and these laws are the first to address nicotine analogs in the US.

Rights4Vapers in Ottawa urges the Canadian government to revamp tobacco control groups and support harm reduction methods. They highlight the benefits of reduced harm nicotine products and advocate for consistent regulations nationwide. The group calls for dismantling current structures, criticizing fear tactics and misinformation spread about vaping. They stress the importance of recognizing the role of vaping in smoking cessation globally.