Nicotine Science and Policy

Yorkshire Cancer Research promotes vaping as a smoking cessation tool, dispelling misconceptions about its safety. The charity funds programs to increase access to vapes in Yorkshire, where vaping aids in over 4,600 smokers quitting annually. Despite evidence showing vaping is less harmful than smoking, misconceptions persist. The charity's stop smoking initiatives, including offering free vape kits, have successfully helped many quit. More than 4,400 individuals in Yorkshire have quit smoking with their support. Dr. Griffiths emphasizes the importance of vaping as a cessation aid, advocating for its accessibility while combatting youth vaping. The charity supports measures like raising the cigarette sales age and tobacco industry taxes to fund cessation services.

In this very special episode we're joined by Jessica Harding, Programme Director of this year's Global Forum on Nicotine conference! We unpack the A-list lineup of guest speakers, plenaries and much much more that you can expect at #GFN25 which takes place 19 - 21 June 2025.

Experts at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, known for their internationally used smoking cessation model, are now focusing on helping people quit e-cigarettes. Researchers have published a review of existing studies to guide vaping cessation programs, addressing the growing need for support in this area.

Planet of the Vapes covered a study by the University of California San Diego stating vapes do not aid smoking cessation. Tobacco expert Clive Bates criticized the study for selection bias, arguing that it excluded successful quitters who switched to vapes after the baseline in 2017. He highlighted flaws in linking vaping to quitting smoking, as only those struggling to quit were included in the study. Bates noted the rising use of vapes like Juul from 2017 to 2021, impacting the accuracy of the findings. The study's methodology faced criticism for not accounting for successful quitters using vapes. Bates emphasized the need for unbiased research in assessing the relationship between vaping and smoking cessation.

Chile's Law No. 21.642 sets clear rules for electronic nicotine delivery systems, offering a balanced model for public health and consumer rights. In contrast, Argentina's prohibitionist stance lags behind global harm reduction trends. The Swedish approach, emphasizing accessibility, acceptability, and affordability, has drastically reduced smoking rates. Argentina's paradoxical restrictions on vaping conflict with its economic deregulation efforts. Successful examples in Japan, the UK, and the US highlight the benefits of embracing harm-reducing alternatives to smoking. Argentina faces a choice between outdated prohibition and evidence-based regulation, as seen in Chile's progressive approach. Embracing innovation is crucial for reducing smoking rates and improving public health outcomes.

Poland is close to passing a Bill that would ban flavored Heated Tobacco Products. The Senate Health Committee approved the regulation, which prohibits HTPs with non-tobacco flavors and mandates health warnings on packaging. The aim is to make these products less attractive and restrict access. Poland must align with the EU directive aimed at reducing the appeal of these products to children. The legislation, once passed, will have a nine-month transition period for businesses to comply. Additionally, Poland is considering other tobacco and vape regulations, including restricting the sale and use of vapes to minors and increasing taxes on e-liquids incrementally until 2027.

The Senate will hold a confirmation hearing for Dr. David Weldon, the nominee for CDC director. Weldon faces challenges, including proposed budget cuts and past controversial views. The CDC's misleading information on nicotine products perpetuates confusion. Despite declines in cigarette smoking, the CDC paints reduced use as a problem. The agency's inconsistent messaging on harm reduction methods hinders smoking cessation efforts. Criticisms include unclear terminology and failure to promote proven cessation aids like vapes. The CDC's resistance to change perpetuates misinformation and obstructs public health progress. Weldon's stance on nicotine is unknown. The need for a drastic shift in the CDC's approach to smoking cessation is crucial for improving public health outcomes.

Junior health minister Vincent Karremans is considering raising the legal age to purchase cigarettes and vapes to 21 in the Netherlands. He aims to combat the serious vape issue among youths by potentially criminalizing flavored vapes, increasing fines for violations, and banning flavored vapes entirely. The government has already prohibited the sale of flavored vapes, but illegal sales persist through various channels. This new strategy is supported by the Trimbos addiction institute, emphasizing the importance of delaying nicotine exposure to avoid addiction. The Dutch health ministry is also pushing for EU regulations on e-cigarettes and tobacco products to protect public health. Unauthorized sales and harmful content in vapes remain significant concerns.

The Philippines has seen an increase in e-cigarette use among young people despite the introduction of the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act (RA 11900) in 2022. E-cigarettes are devices that simulate smoking by producing vapor instead of smoke. The new regulations govern the import, sale, distribution, and use of these products, aiming to reduce the health risks associated with vaping and smoking.

Experts discuss the effectiveness of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) in aiding smoking cessation. NRT helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, increasing success rates. However, prolonged reliance on NRT can hinder quitting smoking altogether. Alternative methods like cold turkey and Champix are mentioned. While temporary aid with NRT can be beneficial, the ultimate goal is complete nicotine cessation. Using NRT during pregnancy is discouraged. Substituting cigarettes with candies is not advised due to the addictive nature of sugar. Quitting smoking requires willpower, understanding health risks, and support. Compared to alcohol withdrawal, cigarette withdrawal is less severe. Successful quitting depends on motivation, support, and awareness of risks.