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 29, 2026 by mojanorwegia.pl
Cigarettes are losing importance. Data show a clear shift among young people
Norway's latest figures reveal a significant generational shift in nicotine use. Daily smoking has fallen to just 6% of the population, while 15% now use snus, making it more than twice as common as cigarettes.
Among younger generations, cigarette smoking has become increasingly uncommon, although snus use remains widespread, including among people who have never smoked.
These trends highlight the importance of distinguishing between smoking and other forms of nicotine consumption. Understanding how nicotine preferences are changing can help shape tobacco harm reduction strategies that reduce exposure to combustible tobacco while addressing nicotine uptake among young people.
15.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 589,000 current smokers in Norway.
SOURCE: GSTHR
October 29, 2026 by substack.com
When Listening Becomes Another Way to Lecture
Interviews with 20 illicit tobacco users in New Zealand reveal how financial hardship, nicotine dependence and frustration with tobacco policies influence purchasing decisions.
The findings raise questions about whether public health campaigns focused on changing consumer attitudes adequately address the economic pressures driving illicit sales.
Effective tobacco control should consider affordability, taxation and access to cessation support, including lower-risk nicotine alternatives. Understanding consumers' experiences is essential to developing policies that reduce smoking-related harm rather than reinforce existing barriers.
October 29, 2026 by regulatorwatch.com
No Clear Rules | Mi-Pod’s Finance Chief on Uncertainty Facing U.S. Vaping | RegWatch
Unclear federal regulations and conflicting state restrictions are creating significant challenges for US vaping businesses, affecting compliance, financial planning and long-term stability.
Rebecca Basinski, Mi-Pod’s Vice President of Finance and Accounting, shares how regulatory uncertainty has affected the company’s operations, including a crisis that nearly forced it into bankruptcy.
Her experience highlights the importance of transparent and consistent regulation that supports responsible businesses, protects adult consumers and maintains access to lower-risk alternatives for smokers.
14.10% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 39.8 million current smokers in United States 17.10% of men are current smokers but only 11.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
October 29, 2026 by reason.com
Ireland Is Banning Vape Flavors. This Shop Owner Warns It Could Cost Lives.
Ireland's planned restrictions on vape flavours are raising concerns among independent retailers and former smokers who rely on non-tobacco flavours to stay away from cigarettes.
Eoin O'Boyle, a vape shop owner in Drogheda, says his business has helped thousands of customers quit smoking and warns that the new rules could threaten both specialist retailers and smoking cessation efforts.
With smoking prevalence still at 17% in Ireland, the potential impact on tobacco harm reduction deserves attention. Protecting young people remains essential, but restrictions should also consider the role of flavours in supporting adult smokers and the risk of driving consumers towards illicit markets.
17.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 730,000 current smokers in Ireland 20.00% of men are current smokers but only 14.60% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
October 28, 2026 by substack.com
When the Data Point to Price but the Answer is still Enforcement.
Illicit tobacco use has risen sharply among two disadvantaged populations in Australia, with a new study identifying price as the main motivation. Illegal cigarettes were reportedly selling for a fraction of the legal retail price, creating strong financial incentives to purchase outside regulated channels.
Despite these findings, the proposed policy response continues to emphasise enforcement and supply restrictions. The analysis raises questions about the limits of high tobacco taxation, particularly among financially vulnerable smokers.
Reducing smoking-related harm requires addressing affordability, consumer behaviour and access to effective cessation support, including lower-risk nicotine alternatives, rather than relying on enforcement alone.
8.20% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 1.8 million current smokers in Australia 9.50% of men are current smokers but only 6.90% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
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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”.