Nicotine Science and Policy

By Harry Shapiro May 29, 2024

Harry’s blog 123: It was twenty years ago today/Hon Lik showed a brand-new way

New report to map the journey of tobacco harm reduction

Yes, it has been a while since the last blog, but the main reason is the need to push on with the next Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction report due out in November. This report will be a status report, analysing just how far we have come trying to embed tobacco harm reduction in the international health discourse alongside drug and HIV harm reduction. We maintain that access to safer nicotine products (SNP) to protect health is a basic human right derived from the original WHO declaration on the universal right to health. And from a standing start in 2004, progress along the THR journey has been encouraging.

Recent GFN-TV Interviews

October 15, 2024 by thetimes.com

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Don’t smoke it! The £4,000 cigar

To fix public finances, Sir Keir Starmer could follow George Washington's advice by seeking luxury items like Cuban cigars instead of money. The cigar industry faces challenges like limited supply due to hurricanes and Cuba's communist policies. Premium cigars like Cohiba have become expensive, with limited editions fetching high prices at auctions. Ageing affects flavor, and cigar maintenance is crucial for preserving value. Counterfeits are a concern, and branding influences prices. The growing Asian market and government regulations impact the cigar industry, leading to soaring prices in the secondary market and auctions. Cigars like Dunhill and Davidoff are highly valued, making them attractive investments despite health risks.


19.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 1.8 million current smokers in Cuba 27.50% of men are current smokers but only 11.40% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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October 15, 2024 by abc.net.au

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Survey finds one in four young Australians have used illegal and unregulated dissolvable nicotine pouches

A recent survey of young Australians found that about one in four have used illegal nicotine pouches, with 34% citing flavor as the main reason. Some participants also used the pouches to quit or reduce smoking or vaping. Conducted anonymously between April and June 2024, the survey involved nearly 1,600 people aged 16 to 39, with 19% having used a pouch in the last 30 days. As restrictions on e-cigarettes tighten, retailers are shifting towards selling alternative products like nicotine pouches, according to the study’s co-author, Michelle Jongenelis.


13.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.6 million current smokers in Australia 15.20% of men are current smokers but only 10.90% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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October 15, 2024 by thesun.my

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Maldives bans import and use of e-cigarettes

The Maldives has announced a ban on e-cigarettes to address nicotine addiction and protect public health. President Mohamed Muizzu stated that from November 15, the country will ban the import of vaporizer devices and related accessories. From December 15, the ban will extend to the possession, use, sale, and promotion of these devices. Many Maldivians expressed support for the ban on social media, calling it a positive step for public health, with some advocating for a broader ban on tobacco products.


32.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 138,693 current smokers in Maldives 47.20% of men are current smokers but only 2.90% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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October 15, 2024 by aphapublications.org

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Kids No Longer Smoke Cigarettes. Why Aren’t We Celebrating?

The decrease in cigarette smoking among American youths is one of the great public health triumphs of the present century. Yet, few people are talking about it. Public health agencies and tobacco control organizations mention it, if at all, in passing. Media coverage is minimal. Should we not be shouting it from the mountaintops?





October 14, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

French consumer vaping organisation SOVAPE dissolves itself

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.


27.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 14.5 million current smokers in France.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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October 14, 2024 by gfn.tv

GFN.TV Interviews #50 | RISKY CHOICE | Canada Hides Nicotine Pouches Behind Pharmacy

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.



October 11, 2024 by worldvapersalliance.com

From Despair to Hope: How Vaping Saved My Life and Gave Me a Second Chance

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.



October 11, 2024 by theatlantic.com

Public Health Has a Blueberry-Banana Problem

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.


18.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 48.7 million current smokers in United States 21.60% of men are current smokers but only 15.20% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR


October 11, 2024 by vaping360.com

California Passes New Flavored Vape and Pouch Restrictions

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.


18.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 48.7 million current smokers in United States 21.60% of men are current smokers but only 15.20% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR


October 11, 2024 by rights4vapers.com

CANADA’S VAPING COMMUNITY CALLS FOR REFORM TO TOBACCO CONTROL

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.


12.50% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 3.9 million current smokers in Canada 14.80% of men are current smokers but only 10.20% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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Blogs

Harry’s blog 123: It was twenty years ago today/Hon Lik showed a brand-new way

New report to map the journey of tobacco harm reduction

Yes, it has been a while since the last blog, but the main reason is the need to push on with the next Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction report due out in November. This report will be a status report, analysing just how far we have come trying to embed tobacco harm reduction in the international health discourse alongside drug and HIV harm reduction. We maintain that access to safer nicotine products (SNP) to protect health is a basic human right derived from the original WHO declaration on the universal right to health. And from a standing start in 2004, progress along the THR journey has been encouraging.

Harry’s blog 122: Tobacco harm reduction is a human rights issue

A guiding principle of the World Health Organization (WHO) established in 1948, was the universal right to health. Although not expressed in these terms, the implication is that nobody gets left behind even if behaviours which potentially threaten health like illegal drug use and unprotected sex meet with societal disapproval.

Harry’s blog 121: International tobacco control and the search for intelligent life

KAC has published an updated version of our Briefing Paper on the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control’s Conference of the Parties (FCTC COP) meeting due to take place in Panama in November. While a billion people still smoke, the WHO and allies deflect attention away from the failure of traditional tobacco control policies to put a significant dent in death and disease from smoking by instead attacking tobacco harm reduction.