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 13, 2026 by vapingpost.com
Quitting smoking: vaping helps without support, but twice as well with it
A UK randomised controlled trial involving 1,170 smokers found that providing e-cigarettes without behavioural support helped more participants quit smoking than automated cessation advice alone.
After six months, 11.3% of those receiving a vape kit had stopped smoking, compared with 6.4% receiving support emails. Adding telephone counselling increased the quit rate to 21.1%.
The findings highlight the potential of vaping as an accessible smoking cessation tool, while demonstrating how additional behavioural support can further improve outcomes. Combining practical alternatives with personalised assistance could help more 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 13, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu
EU Commission declines to confirm December timetable for nicotine rules
The European Commission has declined to confirm whether its proposed revision of the Tobacco Products Directive will be published in December, amid reports of a possible delay until January 2027.
The uncertainty follows reported concerns over the proposal's impact assessment, while Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi continues to face criticism for suggesting that newer nicotine products carry the same risks as conventional tobacco.
The developments raise important questions about scientific accuracy and transparency in EU tobacco policy. Future regulation should recognise differences in product risk and consider the role of smoke-free alternatives in reducing smoking-related harm.
November 12, 2026 by environewsnigeria.com
Africa's tobacco policy failure: Illicit trade grows, harm reduction stalls
Africa's tobacco control challenges extend beyond smoking prevalence, with illicit tobacco trade expanding and access to safer nicotine alternatives remaining limited in many countries.
Restrictive policies, uneven enforcement and insufficient smoking cessation support have raised concerns about the effectiveness of existing approaches. These challenges highlight the importance of combining stronger action against illicit markets with evidence-based tobacco harm reduction.
A more comprehensive strategy should consider affordability, consumer behaviour and risk-proportionate regulation to help reduce smoking-related disease across the continent.
November 12, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu
French Senate blocks nicotine vape starter
A proposal to ban nicotine vape starter packs in France has been blocked on procedural grounds, preventing a new restriction on products used by adults seeking alternatives to cigarettes.
The amendment would have prohibited selling vaping devices together with nicotine-containing e-liquids, potentially making it less convenient for smokers to begin switching.
Although the proposal did not proceed, similar restrictions could still be introduced. The debate highlights the importance of preserving access to effective smoking cessation tools, particularly as Cochrane evidence shows that nicotine e-cigarettes can help more people quit smoking than traditional nicotine replacement therapies.
28.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 15.7 million current smokers in France.
SOURCE: GSTHR
November 12, 2026 by substack.com
Evidence sent to the WHO review of nicotine
The WHO's upcoming review of nicotine could have significant implications for the future of tobacco harm reduction.
Following Palau's proposal to bring nicotine under the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances, a detailed evidence briefing has been submitted to the WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence ahead of its critical review in October 2027.
The submission calls for a broader assessment of nicotine science, dependence and public health policy, emphasising the importance of distinguishing nicotine use from the harms of combustible tobacco. International regulatory decisions should consider the potential consequences for smoking cessation and access to lower-risk alternatives.
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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”.