Nicotine Science and Policy

Nicotine pouches, like the Zyn brand, are gaining traction in the U.S. market as a smokeless alternative to traditional tobacco products. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Zyn as a less harmful option compared to cigarettes and other smokeless tobacco products. While researchers see potential for harm reduction among smokers, they emphasize the need for stricter marketing oversight to prevent youth usage. Currently, nicotine pouch use among teens is low, with fewer than 2% of middle and high school students reporting use in the past year, according to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey.

Startups need product-market fit, solving real problems. Anti-nicotine apps like Jones, despite good marketing, face challenges. They focus on quitting vaping and pouches, which cater to a small market. Investors' $5 million bet on Jones may struggle due to the shrinking vaping trend. Critically, these apps may not address significant issues, unlike stop smoking apps. While hoping for their success, the effectiveness and ethical concerns of anti-nicotine apps remain questionable, as they target a less urgent problem compared to smoking cessation.

The ACC plans to request the removal of Saima Wazed Putul from her role as WHO Southeast Asia Region director due to alleged corruption and criminal activities, including fabricated credentials, illegal acquisitions, and financial misconduct. The letter sent through government channels accuses Putul of misusing state resources, extorting funds, and harming Bangladesh's reputation. The ACC filed a case against her and highlighted misappropriation of public funds. ACC's director general emphasized ongoing independent investigations. Putul's continued position at WHO is deemed inappropriate given the corruption allegations.

In the second part of our series looking at Malawi's complicated relationship with tobacco production and smoking, Sahan Lungu joins us to explore whether a holistic approach to tobacco production and smoking could help Malawi minimise the harms related to combustible tobacco use.

Dual users, individuals who smoke cigarettes and vape, are a sizable overlooked group in Canada. Research shows significant health risks if they stop vaping and return to smoking. Strategies such as reducing cigarette consumption and transitioning fully to vaping can lower health risks. Encouragement, lower costs, and improved accessibility for vaping products are crucial. Treating dual users like transitioning drivers or eaters acknowledges progress towards quitting smoking entirely. Supporting them is essential for reducing tobacco-related harm and promoting healthier choices.

To understand factors that led to the escalation, researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham studied how college students perceived the health risks of e-cigarettes compared to traditional cigarettes. The results showed the perception of the potential harm of e-cigarettes varied based on factors like sex, vaping status, and field of study/work. "We found that non-users and females were less likely to believe that e-cigarettes were less harmful than traditional cigarettes," said M.J. Ruzmyn Vilcassim, Ph.D., assistant professor in the UAB School of Public Health and lead author. "Conversely, male vapers and users of pod-type devices were more likely to view the devices as less harmful."

Luxembourg is not following neighboring countries and the European Commission in banning vapor devices. The Ministry of Health is monitoring foreign measures to evaluate potential actions. While acknowledging the health risks of high nicotine doses in vape products, the Ministry believes a ban limited to disposable vapes would not be effective. They advocate for a comprehensive approach covering all electronic cigarettes. The Ministry notes the popularity of tobacco tourism due to lower taxes in Luxembourg. A proposed 2023 bill focuses on regulating tobacco products, including flavored vape restrictions and nicotine limits, but excludes disposable e-cigarettes.