Nicotine Science and Policy

By Harry Shapiro May 29, 2024

Harry’s blog 123: It was twenty years ago today/Hon Lik showed a brand-new way

New report to map the journey of tobacco harm reduction

Yes, it has been a while since the last blog, but the main reason is the need to push on with the next Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction report due out in November. This report will be a status report, analysing just how far we have come trying to embed tobacco harm reduction in the international health discourse alongside drug and HIV harm reduction. We maintain that access to safer nicotine products (SNP) to protect health is a basic human right derived from the original WHO declaration on the universal right to health. And from a standing start in 2004, progress along the THR journey has been encouraging.

Recent GFN-TV Interviews

October 04, 2024 by 1news.co.nz

Costello releases 'independent advice' on heated tobacco decisions

Associate Health Minister Casey Costello and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon disagree on a tax break for Philip Morris' heated tobacco product. Costello's plan to shift smokers to heated products was impacted by regulations on vaping devices. Luxon is not familiar with the products but supports childproofing smoking alternatives. Costello and Luxon clash on whether the tax cut benefits Philip Morris. Costello released five documents of purported independent advice on heated tobacco. Treasury warns of potential health risks and uncertain impacts of the tax break. Various studies on smoking alternatives and industry tactics are highlighted.


10.90% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 420,745 current smokers in New Zealand.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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October 04, 2024 by dentistry.co.uk

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Fewer than one in 10 (9.8%) young adults in the UK currently smoke cigarettes, the data found. This is a steep decline from records 12 years ago, which found that a quarter of 18 to 24-year-olds were smokers. In addition, only 11.9% of UK adults smoked cigarettes in 2023 – down from 20% in 2011, and the lowest level since the Office for National Statistics’ (ONS) records began in 2011. The data also found that vaping continues to rise, with a 9.8% of adults aged 16 and over (5.1 million) vaping in 2023. Hazel Cheeseman chief executive of public health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH). Following the release of this data, she said: ‘Today’s figures are further proof that the country is ready to be smoke-free.


12.90% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 7.2 million current smokers in United Kingdom 14.60% of men are current smokers but only 11.20% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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October 04, 2024 by africasciencenews.org

Kenya Urged to Increase Tobacco Taxes to Curb Rising Youth Addiction

Kenyan stakeholders push for higher tobacco taxes to combat youth consumption and health risks. Celine Awuor advocates for increased taxes to deter young people from starting smoking habits early. Current cigarette taxes in Kenya fall below WHO recommendations. Challenges exist in taxing new tobacco products like Oral Nicotine Pouches and e-cigarettes due to weak tax regulations. The Tobacco Control Act of 2007 needs updating to cover emerging smokeless products. Dr. Naom Shaban emphasizes the need for higher taxes to deter tobacco use. Illegal tobacco products pose a challenge, prompting collaboration between the Tobacco Control Board and Kenya Revenue Authority.


8.10% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.6 million current smokers in Kenya 15.60% of men are current smokers but only 0.80% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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October 04, 2024 by sydneycriminallawyers.com.au

Vapes Are Legally Available Without Prescription in NSW, But Only at Chemists

Health Minister Mark Butler's plan to ban recreational vaping ended abruptly when a Greens amendment allowed vapes to be sold over the counter in pharmacies from October 1, 2024. Originally aimed at reducing teenage vaping, the restrictive laws had forced legal vapes out of stores, increasing the risk of black market purchases. Despite concerns over unapproved products, the government's move has faced backlash, with calls for easier access to prescribed vapes. In the midst of controversy, the benefits of vaping as a safer alternative to smoking, embraced by New Zealand, were highlighted, signaling ongoing debates on vaping regulations in Australia.


13.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.6 million current smokers in Australia 15.20% of men are current smokers but only 10.90% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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October 04, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

Voices of Harm Reduction Pt 4: Martin Cullip

Martin Cullip, a respected voice on tobacco and vaping policies, transitioned from an anonymous libertarian blog to a public advocate due to concerns about the government targeting his transport business. His accidental switch from smoking to vaping led him to fight against anti-harm reduction public health advocates. He believes public health groups demonize smokers and vapers, aiming to remove the enjoyment factor. Cullip differentiates between sincere lifesavers embracing harm reduction and profit-driven, authoritarian figures. He emphasizes the importance of choice and the negative impact of stigmatization in public health campaigns.



October 04, 2024 by bbc.com

Is vaping bad for you and how are the rules changing?

The popularity of vaping is on the rise, especially among young people. While vaping is considered less harmful than smoking, it can still have negative effects on health. The UK government is tightening regulations on vapes, aiming to curb underage use and reduce environmental impact. Vaping is recommended as a smoking cessation tool, with face-to-face support doubling success rates. The new rules include a ban on disposable vapes by 2025 and taxing vaping products by 2026. Labour supports these measures to promote a smoke-free generation and protect public health. Efforts are also being made to address the environmental impact of disposable vapes, as recycling rates remain low.


12.90% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 7.2 million current smokers in United Kingdom 14.60% of men are current smokers but only 11.20% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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October 04, 2024 by bat.com

BAT presents Omni™ at Global Tobacco and Nicotine Forum to advance Tobacco Harm Reduction across the globe

Dr. Round emphasized the importance of Tobacco Harm Reduction at the GTNF event, showcasing Omni™ as a tool to engage stakeholders and promote science-based discussions. Omni™ advocates for switching smokers to safer alternatives, citing global examples like Sweden. The GTNF theme highlighted responsible innovation in THR and nicotine products, stressing the need for smart regulations and enforcement to prevent youth access to harmful products. Discussions also addressed misconceptions about nicotine risks and the role of regulatory frameworks in promoting safer smokeless alternatives.



October 03, 2024 by thejournal.ie

How are vapers reacting to the tax hike on e-cigarettes? Quite well actually.

The Budget 2025 introduces a 50c per milliliter tax on e-liquid from mid-next year, raising prices. Vapers have mixed reactions, with some considering quitting due to costs, while others view the tax as a deterrent. Concerns about environmental impact and the perception of punishing those quitting smoking arise. Despite the tax, some vapers will continue if it remains cheaper than smoking. Individuals vary in their responses, from willingness to switch to reusable vapes to acceptance of the price hike. Overall, the tax triggers reflections on behavior change and its implications on vapers' habits and finances.


October 02, 2024 by newstalk.com

New vaping levy condemned as a tax on 'quitting cigarettes'

The Government introduced a 50-cent tax on e-cigarettes to be implemented next year, alongside a €1…


18.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 717,042 current smokers in Ireland 21.00% of men are current smokers but only 15.00% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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October 03, 2024 by gfn.tv

How Tobacco Harm Reduction is Changing Lives? | GFN Voices 2024

Experts dive deep into the connections between health, economics, and tobacco harm reduction. Discover how the economic burden of smoking affects individuals and societies, and how harm reduction products provide a solution for smokers—especially in low- and middle-income countries.



October 03, 2024 by thelancet.com

Vaping among adults in England who have never regularly smoked: a population-based study, 2016–24

E-cigarettes are increasingly used by smokers and ex-smokers, often to support smoking cessation, but also among those who have never regularly smoked. The aim of our study is to estimate time trends in vaping prevalence among adults who have never regularly smoked and describe the profile of adult never-regular-smokers who vape. The number of adults in England who vape but have never regularly smoked rose rapidly between 2021 and 2024, particularly in younger age groups and most of these individuals reported vaping regularly over a sustained period.


October 03, 2024 by euronews.com

One million people in England who never regularly smoked are now vaping

A survey in England shows a significant rise in non-regular smokers turning to vaping, with 1 milli…

October 03, 2024 by theguardian.com

One million people in England vape despite never having smoked regularly, study finds

One million people in England now vape without having been regular smokers, a seven-fold increase i…

October 03, 2024 by bnnbloomberg.ca

One Million Vapers in England Had No Smoking History, Study Says

A study shows an increase in non-smoking adults vaping in England, likely due to the popularity of …

October 03, 2024 by thenationalnews.com

One million who never smoked cigarettes start vaping in England

About one million people in England who have never smoked cigarettes are vaping, a sharp increase i…

October 03, 2024 by medicalxpress.com

One million people who never regularly smoked now vape in England, finds study

A recent UCL study published in The Lancet Public Health shows a significant increase in vaping amo…

October 03, 2024 by thegrocer.co.uk

Number of vapers in England who didn’t previously smoke rockets to one million, finds new research

The popularity of vaping among non-smokers in England has surged, with around one million adults wh…

October 03, 2024 by independent.co.uk

One million in England now vape despite never having been regular smokers

A recent study found a significant increase in non-smokers vaping in England, especially among youn…

October 03, 2024 by mirror.co.uk

One million people who never regularly smoked now vape, study shows

Research shows a significant rise in never-smokers vaping since 2021, with one million individuals …


12.90% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 7.2 million current smokers in United Kingdom 14.60% of men are current smokers but only 11.20% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR

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Blogs

Harry’s blog 123: It was twenty years ago today/Hon Lik showed a brand-new way

New report to map the journey of tobacco harm reduction

Yes, it has been a while since the last blog, but the main reason is the need to push on with the next Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction report due out in November. This report will be a status report, analysing just how far we have come trying to embed tobacco harm reduction in the international health discourse alongside drug and HIV harm reduction. We maintain that access to safer nicotine products (SNP) to protect health is a basic human right derived from the original WHO declaration on the universal right to health. And from a standing start in 2004, progress along the THR journey has been encouraging.

Harry’s blog 122: Tobacco harm reduction is a human rights issue

A guiding principle of the World Health Organization (WHO) established in 1948, was the universal right to health. Although not expressed in these terms, the implication is that nobody gets left behind even if behaviours which potentially threaten health like illegal drug use and unprotected sex meet with societal disapproval.

Harry’s blog 121: International tobacco control and the search for intelligent life

KAC has published an updated version of our Briefing Paper on the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control’s Conference of the Parties (FCTC COP) meeting due to take place in Panama in November. While a billion people still smoke, the WHO and allies deflect attention away from the failure of traditional tobacco control policies to put a significant dent in death and disease from smoking by instead attacking tobacco harm reduction.