Nicotine Science and Policy

Join us in the latest episode of the WVA Podcast as host Liza Katsiashvili, Director of Operations at the WVA, sits down with Peter Beckett. Peter is the co-founder of Clearing the Air, an information resource that helps consumers of nic0t1ne products become advocates. Peter has more than a decade of experience in harm reduction and discusses how he quit, and how consumers can get involved.

Vaping is marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, but studies show it can lead to cigarette use, especially in youth. While some use vaping to quit smoking, evidence on its long-term effectiveness is weak. Nicotine replacement therapies and behavioral support remain more reliable quitting tools. Restricting vape access aims to prevent addiction and protect public health, despite claims of limiting personal freedom. Tasmania's reforms aim to supervise vape use for cessation under doctors' care, combatting potential health risks and illicit markets. These actions prioritize public health over personal choice, recognizing the dangers of unregulated vaping, unlike established tobacco products.

Combining very low nicotine content (VLNC) cigarettes with fruity or sweet-flavored e-cigarettes reduces smoking in high-risk adults. A study conducted between 2020 and 2023 showed that VLNC cigarettes with preferred flavors led to smoking fewer cigarettes per day compared to normal nicotine content cigarettes. The most preferred flavors were mango, fruit medley, and classic menthol. Combining VLNC cigarettes with mango or fruit medley e-cigarettes significantly decreased smoking levels and reduced specific carcinogens. The study suggests exploring a balanced approach in the marketplace for adult access while preventing youth access. Conducted by Stephen T. Higgins, PhD, the study highlighted the need for further research due to the limited duration and sample size.

E-cigarettes, varenicline (Chantix), and cytisine are effective aids in quitting smoking when paired with behavioral support like therapy. E-cigarettes deliver nicotine without harmful substances, varenicline targets nicotine receptors, and cytisine is a plant-based option. Combining long-acting NRT (patches) with fast-acting NRT (gum) can further boost success rates. However, always consult a doctor before starting any medication or natural product. Behavioral support is crucial for successful cessation.

The European Commission plans to update recommendations to address vaping's popularity among youth. The proposal suggests extending smoking bans to children's areas, outdoor pools, and stricter e-cigarette regulations. Measures aim to protect against second-hand emissions in indoor settings and public transport also targeted.

A survey by Dutch vaper group ACVODA reveals that the online sales and flavour ban in the Netherlands has led to 80% of vapers buying products from nearby countries where flavoured items are legal. The ban has not changed usage patterns, with only 2% switching to mandated tobacco flavour and about 10% returning to smoking. Vapers criticize the government for limiting access to safer alternatives and forcing them towards cigarettes. The study shows resistance to quitting among e-cigarette users, with almost half feeling the government obstructs access to harm-reducing options. Concerns are raised about the ban's unintended consequences and the need for better policy alignment with users' needs.

When I first heard the words “tobacco harm reduction,” as recently as 2022, I was a little surprised. What is that? I wasn’t turned off. I just had no idea what it consisted of. Was it collecting cigarette butts from places, or passing out those old-fashioned filter tips? No one in the prisons where I’ve spent the past three decades of my life ever says that chewing is safer than smoking, or that vaping is safer than either. So I was uninformed. I had never really thought there would be a need for tobacco harm reduction (THR). Like everyone else, I thought the only reduction of harm that could be done here is quitting, and “Quit if you want to live” is not really harm reduction.