Nicotine Science and Policy
By Harry Shapiro Sept. 11, 2025
Harry’s blog 129: Prohibition: the lessons we never learn
Australia’s unnecessary nicotine war lights up,
As reported on the website of ALIVE, the Australian vaping advocacy movement, “Australia's ongoing battle against tobacco has led to some of the strictest regulations in the world, particularly concerning vaping and cigarette pricing. While the government has framed these policies as necessary for public health, the unintended consequences have sparked a growing crisis.”
January 20, 2026 by cyprus-mail.com
The war on snus
Cyprus' unclear regulations on nicotine pouches have created confusion. These pouches lack proper approval for sale, leading to legal issues and public health concerns. Despite potential harm reduction benefits, the inconsistency in regulating these products has left consumers and sellers in a precarious situation. The debate on nicotine pouches, also known as snus, highlights the need for comprehensive legislation to address their sale, composition, and taxation. Failure to establish clear guidelines risks impacting public health, revenue collection, and the prevalence of illicit sales. Addressing these issues through regulation rather than prohibition could provide a more effective solution.
31.70% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 357,000 current smokers in Cyprus 45.40% of men are current smokers but only 17.90% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
January 19, 2026 by planetofthevapes.co.uk
Vapes Improve Quit Chances
A new report, Tale of Two Nations: Argentina v Sweden, shows that safer nicotine alternatives such as vapes and oral nicotine pouches significantly improve smokers’ chances of quitting, particularly as part of a New Year’s attempt. The report contrasts Argentina’s rising smoking rates with Sweden’s success in reducing smoking through regulated access to smoke-free alternatives such as vapes.
January 19, 2026 by brusselssignal.eu
Compromise proposal on tobacco ‘is opposite of harm reduction’
A leaked compromise proposal from the Cypriot presidency on the EU's Tobacco Excise Directive has faced criticism for undermining harm reduction by discouraging switching to less harmful alternatives. Despite lowering tax rates on vaping and heated tobacco compared to the European Commission’s plan, critics argue the proposal maintains a structure that favors fiscal goals over public health. [...] The World Vapers’ Alliance opposes the proposal, urging member states to reject it and opt for taxation that strongly promotes switching to lower-risk options.
January 19, 2026 by scoop.co.nz
CAPHRA Warns Australian Senate: Prohibition Has Failed, Regulation Is The Only Way Forward
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) delivered a clear message to the Australian Senate: Australia’s illegal tobacco crisis is the result of failed policy, not weak enforcement, and no amount of additional resources will fix a problem created by prohibition. In its submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee’s inquiry into the illegal tobacco market, CAPHRA warned that organised crime has taken control of a black market worth around A$4 billion. This market has been driven by policies that removed legal access to safer nicotine products while consumer demand remained unchanged.
8.60% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 364,000 current smokers in New Zealand.
SOURCE: GSTHR
January 19, 2026 by focustaiwan.tw
Taiwan to allow travelers to bring in heated tobacco products duty-free
Starting from Feb. 1, travelers entering Taiwan can bring 200 duty-free heated tobacco sticks, bought in Taiwan airports, due to health approval rules. Only approved products can be brought in to comply with the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act. Those found with unapproved items may face fines. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has designated two companies with approved heated tobacco products for sale in Taiwan. Travelers are advised to buy these products in duty-free shops to prevent violations. The Health Promotion Administration will educate the public on these regulations.
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Blogs
Harry’s blog 129: Prohibition: the lessons we never learn
Australia’s unnecessary nicotine war lights up,
As reported on the website of ALIVE, the Australian vaping advocacy movement, “Australia's ongoing battle against tobacco has led to some of the strictest regulations in the world, particularly concerning vaping and cigarette pricing. While the government has framed these policies as necessary for public health, the unintended consequences have sparked a growing crisis.”
Harry’s blog 128: Behind the smoke and mirrors: the continuing challenge of tobacco harm reduction.
“If you assume that there is no hope, you guarantee there will be no hope”. Noam Chomsky
I recently returned from the 12th annual Global Forum on Nicotine (GFN) conference in Warsaw. My first visit was 2015 when I had just entered the tobacco harm reduction (THR) space after over thirty years spent with UK NGOs advocating for drug and HIV harm reduction – a space I still inhabit.