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.
October 23, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu
German tax blunder leaves vape duty missing in action
A drafting error in Germany's tobacco tax legislation has created uncertainty over e-liquid duties for the remainder of 2026. The revised law took effect earlier than intended, while new vaping tax rates are not scheduled to begin until January 2027.
Industry representatives argue that the mistake has left a temporary gap in taxation, although the Finance Ministry maintains that existing rates remain valid.
The dispute highlights the importance of regulatory clarity for businesses and consumers. Beyond administrative errors, nicotine taxation should provide predictable rules while recognising the role of affordable smoke-free alternatives in reducing smoking-related harm.
19.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 13.9 million current smokers in Germany 22.10% of men are current smokers but only 16.50% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
October 23, 2026 by daily-pouch.com
Armenia Highlights The Futility and Myopia of Tobacco Control
Smoking remains a major public health challenge in Armenia, where more than half of men aged 15 and over smoke, despite restrictions on tobacco advertising, retail displays and smoking in public places.
Weak enforcement, established smoking habits and social norms have contributed to limited progress. Meanwhile, regulations covering both cigarettes and e-cigarettes may reduce opportunities for smokers to transition to lower-risk alternatives.
Armenia's experience highlights the limitations of conventional tobacco control measures alone and the potential role of tobacco harm reduction in addressing persistently high smoking rates.
October 23, 2026 by substack.com
Nicotine Dose Is Not a Proxy for Risk, But We Keep Hearing That It Is
Two recently published scientific papers have raised concerns about how nicotine dependence and smoking-related health risks are presented in medical research.
Cliff Douglas highlights a recurring problem: nicotine concentration is often treated as an indicator of harm, despite substantial differences in toxic exposure between cigarettes and smoke-free products.
The distinction is particularly important for smoking cessation, as effective nicotine delivery can help adults replace cigarettes without continued exposure to combustion. Greater scientific precision is essential to understanding relative risk and supporting evidence-based tobacco harm reduction.
October 22, 2026 by conveniencestore.co.uk
UKVIA urges MPs to protect responsible vape retailers
Responsible vape retailers should not face the same treatment as businesses selling illegal products, the UK Vaping Industry Association has told MPs.
The UKVIA is calling for stronger licensing, tougher enforcement and meaningful penalties against rogue traders, alongside recognition of specialist vape shops that provide age-verified access and advice to adult smokers.
With approximately 3.3 million former smokers now vaping in Great Britain, the distinction matters for tobacco harm reduction. Effective regulation should tackle illicit sales and protect young people while preserving responsible retail channels that support adults moving away from cigarettes.
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
October 22, 2026 by gfn.tv
Why Are Nicotine Pouches Sold Through Pharmacies in Canada? | #GFN26ScienceLab
Canada's pharmacy-only model for nicotine pouches has created an unusual regulatory imbalance. Since 2024, authorised pouches have been restricted to pharmacy sales, while unauthorised products remain widely available through online and retail channels.
At GFN 2026, pharmacist Todd Prochnau examined the practical consequences of this approach, including barriers to access, additional pressure on pharmacists and inconsistent risk communication.
The experience raises important questions about whether restricting regulated smoke-free alternatives supports smoking cessation or unintentionally strengthens the illicit market. Effective tobacco harm reduction requires both appropriate safeguards and realistic consumer access.
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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”.