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 09, 2026 by pouchforum.eu
FDA Recognizes Nicotine Harm Reduction as Brussels Questions Science
The US FDA has authorised 24 additional nicotine pouch products, bringing the total to 67, while explicitly recognising their potential to help adults switch away from more harmful tobacco products.
The decision contrasts with the European Commission's position, which continues to question whether smoke-free nicotine alternatives reduce health risks compared with cigarettes, despite evidence of substantially lower toxicant exposure.
The differing approaches highlight the importance of incorporating relative risk into tobacco regulation. Scientific uncertainty about long-term effects should be acknowledged without overlooking the potential contribution of smoke-free products to tobacco harm reduction.
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 09, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu
UK youth study calls for vapes to be positioned as quit
Young people may be more open to tobacco harm reduction than policymakers assume. A University of Sheffield study found that teenage participants supported presenting vapes more clearly as smoking cessation aids, while opposing flavour bans that could limit options for adults trying to quit cigarettes.
Instead, they favoured stricter controls on youth-oriented marketing, retailer enforcement and access through healthcare settings.
Although the study involved only five participants, it highlights the possibility of balancing youth protection with recognition of vaping's role in helping adults move away from combustible tobacco.
11.80% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 6.7 million current smokers in United Kingdom 13.60% of men are current smokers but only 10.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
November 09, 2026 by centerforglobalhealthaccountability.org
Palau and the absurd case for international nicotine prohibition
Palau's proposal to bring nicotine under the UN's international drug control system has raised concerns about the future of tobacco harm reduction.
The initiative seeks a WHO review of nicotine under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, potentially paving the way for restrictions extending beyond conventional tobacco regulation.
Critics argue that such an approach risks overlooking the significant differences between combustible cigarettes and smoke-free nicotine products. International nicotine policy should distinguish dependence from smoking-related disease and assess whether additional controls would reduce harm or restrict access to lower-risk alternatives.
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.
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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”.