Nicotine Science and Policy

By Harry Shapiro Jan. 9, 2025

Harry’s blog 126: Tobacco harm reduction and ‘Podsnappery’

Mr Podsnap is a minor character in Charles Dickens’ novel Our Mutual Friend. Mr Podsnap was “well to do, and stood very high in Mr. Podsnap's opinion”. He was noted for his ignorant and wanton dismissal of anything he disagreed with – “I don’t want to know about it; I don’t choose to discuss it; I don’t admit it … I have also said that if [such things] do occur (not that I admit it), the fault lies with the sufferers themselves”.

Recent GFN-TV Interviews

February 12, 2025 by gfn.tv

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GFN News #135 | NEW ZEALAND'S SUCCESS STORY | This Is How New Zealand Outpaced Australia feat. Colin Mendelsohn

Why has New Zealand's smoking rate dropped so far below Australia's in recent years, and what can we subsequently learn from New Zealand's approach to safer nicotine products? In this episode of GFN News THR advocate Colin Mendelsohn highlights the striking difference in approach to vaping in New Zealand and Australia. Enjoy!


12.50% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.6 million current smokers in Australia 14.80% of men are current smokers but only 10.30% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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February 12, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

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Vapers report better general health than smokers, new study finds

A study in Scotland comparing self-rated health between exclusive vapers and smokers found that vapers reported significantly better health. Even after adjusting for various factors, vapers were 1.26 times more likely to report higher health. Heavy smokers had the lowest self-rated health, while prior smoking did not affect vapers' health reports. The study, based on the Scottish Health Survey data, highlights the importance of considering subjective perceptions along with objective health measures. The findings support e-cigarette use as linked to better health outcomes compared to smoking.



February 12, 2025 by news-medical.net

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Study challenges belief that vaping leads to youth smoking

Public health researchers found limited evidence linking vaping to youth smoking. Studies suggest vaping may reduce youth smoking rates in the US, but findings are inconclusive. The team, led by researchers from University of Massachusetts Amherst and University of Oxford, stress the need for more research to establish any causal links. While some data indicates young vapers are more likely to smoke, it's uncertain if vaping leads to smoking. Despite concerns, population-level smoking rates among youth have declined. The findings have implications for public health policy, as vaping may aid adult smoking cessation. More research is required to understand the complex relationship between vaping and smoking.


February 11, 2025 by medicalxpress.com

Study fails to show that youth vaping causes future smoking

Researchers found very low-certainty evidence linking nicotine vaping to youth smoking. Studies sug…



February 12, 2025 by csnews.com

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Will a New Administration Result in a New Approach to Tobacco & Nicotine Regulation?

President Trump's Administration made significant changes to tobacco regulations, withdrawing rules on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. The Biden Administration delayed these decisions due to public feedback. The FDA authorized ZYN nicotine pouches, citing their lower harmful content. The future of tobacco regulation is uncertain, with potential for harm reduction policies and more FDA authorizations for less risky tobacco products. President Trump aimed to support vaping during his campaign, suggesting the FDA should authorize more vapor products, including flavored ones, to assist adult smokers in transitioning from combustible cigarettes.


19.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 52.1 million current smokers in United States 22.90% of men are current smokers but only 15.80% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR


February 12, 2025 by youtube.com

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Episode 30: David Sweanor

In this episode of Across the Pond, Martin Cullip and Lindsey Stroud are joined by David Sweanor from the University of Ottawa to discuss tobacco harm reduction in Canada. They explore new research co-authored by Sweanor, recently shared on the Canadian government’s website, which highlights the role of flavors in helping adults quit smoking—despite ongoing government efforts to ban them. The discussion also covers the broader progress of harm reduction and how prohibitionists continue to challenge and undermine these efforts.


11.40% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 3.6 million current smokers in Canada 13.70% of men are current smokers but only 9.20% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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February 12, 2025 by filtermag.org

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Canada Pauses on Vape Flavor Ban. But It’s “Far From Over.”

The Canadian government has postponed a proposed vape flavor ban following advocacy efforts. Proponents argue flavors aid smoking cessation, but the ban could still be implemented after elections. Health Canada wanted to restrict flavors to menthol, tobacco, and mint due to youth vaping concerns. The harm-reduction case prevailed temporarily. A study showed 68% of Canadian adults quitting smoking used flavors targeted by the ban. Supporters believe banning flavors could lead to dangerous practices. Various provinces have already enacted flavor bans, with negative consequences like vapers reverting to cigarettes in Quebec. The fight to keep flavors available continues, supported by evidence and advocacy efforts.


11.40% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 3.6 million current smokers in Canada 13.70% of men are current smokers but only 9.20% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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February 12, 2025 by regulatorwatch.com

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Nicotine Control | Lies, Bans, Politics & Betrayal | RegWatch

For many within public health, the war on tobacco is over—and the new enemy is nicotine. It’s an uncomfortable pivot, one that requires ignoring what may be the greatest public health achievement of the century: the collapse of smoking rates across the Western world. Instead of celebrating, tobacco control, regulators, and activists have turned their guns on safer nicotine products—demonizing vaping, banning flavors, and destroying small businesses. Joining us today to break down the lies, bans, politics, and betrayal in the war on nicotine are two of the most prolific voices in tobacco harm reduction: Lindsey Stroud, and Martin Cullip from the Taxpayers Protection Alliance out of Washington, D.C.





February 11, 2025 by brusselsreport.eu

The European Commission: A source of misinformation

EU Commissioner Hoekstra wrongly equates smoking with vaping, risking public health. His push for heavy vape taxation ignores evidence that flavors aid smoking cessation. Harmful policies could drive vapers back to smoking or black markets, profiting tobacco and pharma industries. Vapers must advocate for evidence-based, harm reduction approaches to preserve health gains and choices. Misinformation must be challenged to protect the right to safer alternatives. EU policies should promote accessibility to vaping for public health benefits. Now is the time for vapers to speak up against harmful regulations.



February 11, 2025 by filtermag.org

Our Study Spotlights How Vaping Can Reduce Health Disparities

A study published in the Addiction journal indicates that nicotine vaping can help reduce health disparities, particularly for low-income and Indigenous groups. The research compares smoking and vaping trends in Australia and New Zealand from 2016 to 2023. New Zealand's more supportive vaping regulations led to a faster decline in smoking, especially in disadvantaged communities. The study suggests that embracing vaping as a harm reduction strategy could significantly reduce smoking rates and health inequalities. Other countries are encouraged to consider similar regulations to benefit high-risk populations.


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February 11, 2025 by nih.gov

Understanding time to vaping onset in childhood and adolescence: A dual systems model approach

The study investigates the timing of vaping onset from childhood to adolescence and examines the influence of childhood traits such as sensation-seeking and impulse control on vaping initiation. It also explores whether the impact of these factors varies with age, addressing gaps in the existing research on youth vaping behavior.



Blogs

Harry’s blog 126: Tobacco harm reduction and ‘Podsnappery’

Mr Podsnap is a minor character in Charles Dickens’ novel Our Mutual Friend. Mr Podsnap was “well to do, and stood very high in Mr. Podsnap's opinion”. He was noted for his ignorant and wanton dismissal of anything he disagreed with – “I don’t want to know about it; I don’t choose to discuss it; I don’t admit it … I have also said that if [such things] do occur (not that I admit it), the fault lies with the sufferers themselves”.