Nicotine Science and Policy
By Harry Shapiro Aug. 13, 2026
Harry's blog 134: Filtering out lies and misinformation
The only major global journal focused on harm reduction has gone bust. Since 2017, Filter has advocated through journalism for rational and compassionate approaches to drug use, drug policy and human rights, while also standing out for its coverage of tobacco harm reduction. Its closure is a significant loss - particularly at a time when well-funded opponents of tobacco harm reduction continue to thrive.
November 06, 2026 by prohibitiondoesnotwork.com
Istanbul Tobacco Control Conference Pushes War on Safer Nicotine Alternatives
The 11th European Conference on Tobacco Control, held in Istanbul from 4–6 November, has raised concerns over proposals to bring nicotine under international drug control frameworks.
Campaigners are discussing support for Palau's initiative to review nicotine under the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances, potentially extending restrictions to smoke-free alternatives such as vapes and nicotine pouches.
Critics warn that such measures could undermine tobacco harm reduction by limiting access to lower-risk products while combustible cigarettes remain legally available. The debate highlights the importance of distinguishing nicotine dependence from smoking-related disease and assessing the potential public health consequences of further restrictions.
November 06, 2026 by westernstandard.news
British study ties nicotine pouches to quitting success for non-vapers as Ottawa holds firm
Nicotine pouches are increasingly being used as a smoking cessation aid in Great Britain, with their use among adults attempting to quit nearly tripling between 2021 and 2026.
New research involving almost 8,000 adults found an association between pouch use and greater quitting success among those not also using e-cigarettes, although the overall evidence remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Canada continues to restrict authorised nicotine pouch sales to pharmacies. The contrast raises questions about how regulation can balance consumer safety with access to potentially useful, lower-risk alternatives for adults who smoke.
November 05, 2026 by yonkerstimes.com
Vapes and Quitting Smoking: The Facts May Surprise You
Nicotine vaping can help adults quit smoking, but successful tobacco harm reduction involves more than simply replacing one product with another.
Clinical evidence supports e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation option, particularly for adults who struggle with traditional methods. Complete switching is important, as continued cigarette use alongside vaping may limit the potential health benefits.
Although long-term uncertainties remain, clear information about relative risk, personalised cessation support and realistic quitting plans can help smokers make informed decisions and move away from combustible tobacco.
November 05, 2026 by regulatorwatch.com
FDA Signals PMTA Overhaul, But Will It Deliver?
The FDA's proposed overhaul of its Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) process has renewed hopes for a more predictable regulatory pathway for vaping products in the United States.
Years of shifting scientific requirements, widespread application denials and regulatory uncertainty have created significant challenges for independent manufacturers. Industry representatives are now calling for clearer approval standards and a workable framework for flavoured e-cigarettes.
The proposed reforms could help strengthen the legal vaping market while supporting tobacco harm reduction. However, their success will depend on whether regulatory changes translate into timely, evidence-based decisions and improved access to lower-risk alternatives for adult smokers.
14.10% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 39.8 million current smokers in United States 17.10% of men are current smokers but only 11.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
November 05, 2026 by tobaccoasia.com
US FDA Rethinks the Continuum of Risk
The US FDA is signalling a shift towards recognising the continuum of risk in tobacco and nicotine regulation.
At the Global Tobacco and Nicotine Forum in Lisbon, the agency outlined plans to accelerate product authorisations, reconsider its approach to flavoured e-cigarettes and improve communication about the relative risks of nicotine products.
The proposed changes also place greater emphasis on helping adults who smoke switch to lower-risk alternatives while maintaining safeguards against youth uptake. Integrating tobacco harm reduction into regulatory decisions could represent an important development in US tobacco control policy.
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Blogs
Harry's blog 134: Filtering out lies and misinformation
The only major global journal focused on harm reduction has gone bust. Since 2017, Filter has advocated through journalism for rational and compassionate approaches to drug use, drug policy and human rights, while also standing out for its coverage of tobacco harm reduction. Its closure is a significant loss - particularly at a time when well-funded opponents of tobacco harm reduction continue to thrive.
Harry’s blog 133: Silence is consent
Two tobacco control consultations that demand your attention
I’m sure there are many of you like me who are deeply cynical about public consultations. They often feel like political tick box exercises allowing the issuing authority from local councils to international organisations to say they have ‘consulted with the people’, when in truth they knew exactly what they were going to do from the get-go.
Harry’s Blog 132: “Zyn! Went The Strings Of My Heart” (with apologies to Judy Garland)
FDA approval of 20 nicotine pouch products is another step forward for tobacco harm reduction
The FDA in the U.S. has granted marketing authorisation for Zyn nicotine pouch products (five variations on mint plus five other flavours in two different strengths).
In its letter to PMI (who own Zyn manufacturers Swedish Match), the FDA wrote:
Based on our review of your MRTPAs [Modified Risk Tobacco Applications] we determined that the proposed modified risk tobacco products, …as actually used by consumers would significantly reduce harm and the risk of tobacco-related disease to individual tobacco users and benefit the health of the population as a whole, taking into account both users of tobacco products and persons who do not currently use tobacco products. Therefore, we authorize marketing of the tobacco products as modified risk tobacco products with the following modified risk information – “Using ZYN instead of cigarettes puts you at a lower risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema and chronic bronchitis”.