The UAE approved the sale of tobacco-free nicotine pouches from July 29, offering smokers an alternative to cigarettes. Nicotine pouches contain nicotine but no tobacco, reducing lung damage risks. Dr. Mallick explained the pouches release nicotine without smoke, aiding in quitting smoking due to reduced cravings. However, they can be addictive, and long-term health effects are still being studied. Nicotine pouches work through oral mucosal absorption, unlike patches. While they may help some smokers quit, their effectiveness compared to traditional nicotine replacement therapies remains uncertain. The UAE regulates nicotine product sales, with warnings and age restrictions required. Despite health risks, the UAE is dedicated to supporting tobacco cessation through counseling and psychological aid.

The Australian government's mandate to sell vapes only in pharmacies has led to the destruction of the legal vape market, creating a booming illicit market. Government documents show that only 1 out of 1,700 vape transactions are legal. Illicit sales dominate, with over 10 million vapes sold illegally monthly. Legal vapes are limited to certain flavors in plain packaging. Australia's vape bans and restrictive laws have failed since 2008. Efforts to eliminate the black market have backfired, leading to increased organized crime involvement and violence. To solve the issue, vapes should be legalized and regulated as consumer products, but the government needs to acknowledge the failure of its current pharmacy-only approach.

Hong Kong is considering stricter tobacco regulations, but a study shows peer pressure and stress as key drivers of nicotine use, highlighting the importance of harm reduction strategies. Current policies risk pushing users to more harmful options by banning safer alternatives. Global experiences, like the Maldives' vape ban leading to increased illicit tobacco activity, caution against overly restrictive measures. Advocates urge for inclusive policies at COP11, calling for innovation and consumer voices in tobacco control. Differentiated tax regimes, as seen in Japan and New Zealand, can reduce smoking rates. Hong Kong's tobacco policy should prioritize harm reduction to achieve effective public health outcomes instead of solely focusing on control and punishment.

The Taxpayers Protection Alliance leads a call for reform within the WHO's tobacco control arm, citing politicized policymaking and lack of consumer input. Amid criticism of the WHO's pandemic response, advocates push for evidence-based changes at the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Consumer voices stress the need for transparency and science-based policymaking for effective reform. The panel urges the WHO and FCTC to prioritize pragmatic strategies over prohibitionist approaches to combat smoking rates and health inequities. The key message is to prioritize scientific integrity and consumer inclusion for meaningful reform in international health institutions.

A study by Yale and Duke Universities found neotame, a very sweet artificial sweetener, in many popular disposable e-cigarettes in the US and EU. While safe in food, its inhalation effects are unknown. Neotame is used to enhance flavors like cherry lemonade in e-cigarettes, appealing to young users but unregulated. Neotame was detected in 78% of e-cigarette samples, especially in disposable and nicotine-free products. Concerns include potential addiction and lack of data on its health effects when inhaled. Researchers suggest stricter regulation of sweeteners in e-cigarettes due to their appeal. Comprehensive studies on the toxic effects and addictive potential of neotame are urged for future regulatory decisions.

Oral nicotine pouches significantly contribute to reducing smoking rates in Sweden, especially among women. Their effectiveness in aiding smoking cessation has led to a nearly 200% increase in quit rates for women. These pouches are preferred over other quit aids, such as vapes and gum, due to being clean, socially acceptable, and stigma-free. Sweden's successful harm reduction strategy has lowered the smoking rate to 5.3%, with notable decreases in lung and total cancer deaths. However, excessive regulation could hinder progress, particularly for women. Providing access to effective quit aids like nicotine pouches is crucial for achieving a smoke-free future.

A charity warns of increasing awareness and use of nicotine pouches among youngsters, lacking clear health effects. A survey reveals rising teen exposure, with 4% having tried them. Usage is up among adults aged 18-34, driven by aggressive marketing. Though less harmful than smoking, no regulations exist on nicotine strength or marketing. Parliament is considering the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to ban advertising and sales to under-18s. Concerns about tobacco industry tactics targeting youth have sparked calls for urgent government action. The Bill aims to protect minors and regulate product promotion, flavors, and packaging.