Nicotine Science and Policy

RJR Vapor Co. LLC's oral nicotine products are taxed as tobacco substitutes under Texas law, the state comptroller informed the Texas Supreme Court. The state is appealing a 2023 court decision that exempted RJR's VELO nicotine pouches from the Texas Cigars and Tobacco Products Tax. Despite a lower court ruling granting RJR a refund, Comptroller Hegar argues that the products offer a way to consume nicotine, keeping them subject to taxation.

Vaping rates among youth in New Zealand are concerning, with a proposed ban on disposable vapes and restrictions on retailers to curb accessibility. Addiction to nicotine-laden vape products negatively impacts young people's well-being and self-perception. Many feel resentful, judged, and struggle to quit. Strong regulations are needed to protect youth from harmful marketing tactics. Implementing stricter policies, such as limiting product sales to specified age-restricted shops and monitoring the effects of the ban on disposable vapes, is crucial. Additionally, targeted cessation programs with empathetic support are recommended to help young individuals overcome addiction.

Mexican lawmakers recently passed a constitutional amendment banning e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and cracking down on synthetic drugs like fentanyl. Ex-President Lopez Obrador argued these products harm public health, especially affecting children. The legislation also targets the production and sale of harmful substances. Despite a presidential decree, vaping products are still accessible. The reform saw overwhelming support in the lower house with 410 votes in favor. The ban affects a small fraction of the population, with less than 1 million people using vapes, 500,000 teens, and 300,000 adults using e-cigarettes. The proposal now moves to the senate for further consideration.

The FDA's stance on flavored vaping products is in question, with Triton challenging the agency's denial of its applications for approval. The case highlights the FDA's shifting criteria and concerns about youth access. The Supreme Court is considering the issue, with divided views on the FDA's actions. Critics argue the FDA's arbitrary rule changes impact adult vapers' preferences and harm reduction potential. Triton's appeal could impact the future of flavored vaping products. The FDA's strict approach aims to address underage use concerns but may limit harm reduction opportunities. The outcome may hinge on the FDA's discretion under the Tobacco Control Act and potential changes in leadership.

The French Health Minister supported extending smoking bans to outdoor areas like hospital surroundings and restaurant terraces, approved by EU Member States except for Germany and Greece. A proposal to ban smoking in various outdoor spaces was passed, but a vote on banning e-cigarettes did not pass due to differences with traditional tobacco views. The European Commission recommended banning emerging products like e-cigarettes citing health risks and WHO warnings. The EU aims for a smoke-free generation by 2040, with some disagreeing on banning smoking in cafe and restaurant terraces but supporting smoke-free areas near schools and care centers.

Vietnam will ban vaping in 2020 to prevent addiction, especially among teenagers. The decision, supported by Parliament, rejects claims that e-cigarettes help quit smoking or are less harmful. Following Thailand and Singapore's crackdown on e-cigarettes, Vietnam aims to curb the appeal of various colored and flavored products to potential users.

The Coalition of Asia Pacific Harm Reduction Advocates urges Mongolia to reconsider its approach to tobacco harm reduction based on Japan's success with heated tobacco products. Switching 50% of smokers to HTPs could save 12 million patient cases and JPY 454 billion. New Zealand's regulation of safer nicotine products led to reduced smoking rates. Mongolia's low cigarette tax, high smoking rates, and diseases highlight the need for harm reduction strategies. E-cigarettes face misinformation in the country. CAPHRA advises Mongolia to revise regulations, differentiate between products, and engage with experts for evidence-based policies to improve public health.

Smoking rates in Spain hit a record low of 25.84% in 2024, down from 33.1% in 2022. This decline is attributed to government efforts like higher tobacco taxes, strict advertising rules, smoke-free zones, and support for quitting. Despite progress, smoking causes around 50,000 deaths each year in Spain. Vaping's popularity is rising, with e-cigarette users doubling in four years, but the government plans to regulate them with restrictions on flavors, indoor use, and possible taxes to align with tobacco laws.

The vaping legislation debate highlighted misconceptions about regulation, vaping as a gateway to smoking, and lack of understanding among MPs. Despite existing regulations like the UK Tobacco and Related Products Regulations, flaws in the bill were overlooked. New MPs faced challenges navigating parliamentary procedures, while misguided criticisms and concerns over vaping flavors were raised. The voting outcome favored the bill, impacting public health and individual freedoms. The lack of evidence-based policymaking was evident, met with laughter from MPs. The debate reflected a need for informed decision-making and consideration of harm reduction benefits of vaping.

Kevin Molloy, our beloved colleague who ran the Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme from 2018 until he passed away in 2021, helped shape and mentor a new generation of tobacco harm reduction practitioners. Joining us today are Jeffrey Zamora, a film maker and THRSP Scholar, as well as Kevin's wife Anne Molloy, and Jon Derricott, Kevin's long-standing friend, to highlight Jeffrey's new film "Love Kevin".