Nicotine Science and Policy
By Harry Shapiro Sept. 11, 2025
Harry’s blog 129: Prohibition: the lessons we never learn
Australia’s unnecessary nicotine war lights up,
As reported on the website of ALIVE, the Australian vaping advocacy movement, “Australia's ongoing battle against tobacco has led to some of the strictest regulations in the world, particularly concerning vaping and cigarette pricing. While the government has framed these policies as necessary for public health, the unintended consequences have sparked a growing crisis.”
February 16, 2026 by irishtimes.com
Government open to banning vapes in cars with children, says Taoiseach
Taoiseach Micheál Martin considers banning vaping in cars with children, inspired by the UK's plans. Concerned about health impacts due to insufficient assessment, Martin supports stricter measures. The UK government aims to ban vaping in various public spaces to protect children and patients from second-hand smoke. A consultation process seeks input on implementing bans and educating the public. The UK plans to create regulations under the tobacco and vapes Bill for a smoke-free generation. In Ireland, efforts are underway to restrict vape advertising and sales, including banning single-use vapes. Martin advocates for reducing vape usage and addressing health risks, emphasizing the need for continuous review and action.
17.20% 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
February 16, 2026 by irishtimes.com
Push to close nicotine loopholes at EU level, WHO chief tells McNeill
The head of the World Health Organization urged the EU to update regulations on nicotine products like vapes and pouches due to industry opposition. The UN chief emphasized the need to address regulatory loopholes threatening tobacco control. Despite delays in revising EU rules, countries like Ireland have taken steps to regulate vapes and tobacco products. The European Commission is evaluating existing regulations, with potential changes expected. Ireland aims to lead negotiations on tobacco legislation during its EU presidency. Concerns over the rise of vaping, especially among youths, have prompted calls for comprehensive tobacco control measures. The Commission's proposal for revising the Tobacco Products Directive may impact negotiations starting in 2027.
17.20% 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
February 16, 2026 by regulatorwatch.com
Myth Over Metrics | FDA Commissioner Rejects CDC Data on Teen Vaping | RegWatch
“Shoddy” and “flawed.” That’s how Trump’s FDA Commissioner, Marty Makary, describes the National Youth Tobacco Survey, the CDC’s flagship youth surveillance system and the very dataset the FDA has relied on for more than a decade to justify vaping crackdowns, public panic, and sweeping prohibitionist policy. In this episode of RegWatch, behavioral scientist Dr. Arielle Selya unpacks the Commissioner’s claims. From “popcorn lung,” to the conflation of nicotine vaping with illicit THC products, to the astonishing assertion that principals and doctors “know better” than national surveillance data, the episode exposes a regulator who has fallen prey to the anti-vaping narrative he was supposed to evaluate objectively.
February 13, 2026 by reuters.com
China regulator orders e-cigarette makers to halt new plants
On Friday, the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration of China issued a notice aimed at curbing price wars in the country’s e-cigarette industry. The regulator instructed manufacturers to address overcapacity by suspending new investment projects and halting the construction of additional production plants. Although it stated that the overall capacity utilisation rate remains at a high level, the authority expressed concern about excessive expansion and intensified competition. The notice also warned companies not to circumvent the directive by building facilities officially designated for other products but in reality used to manufacture e-cigarettes.
24.40% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 288.3 million current smokers in China 46.40% of men are current smokers but only 1.90% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
February 13, 2026 by gfn.events
Limited remaining opportunities to present YOUR science at GFN26 in Warsaw
The hugely popular GFN ScienceLab returns to GFN26, offering you the opportunity to present your science focussed THR-related research to the GFN audience. With only a limited number of presentation spots available, we don’t want you to miss the opportunity to showcase your amazing work in Warsaw. The deadline for submitting is 17 April 2026 but GFN ScienceLab sessions are popular, so early submissions are encouraged. Submit your GFN Science Lab films here. If selected to present a GFN ScienceLab session, participants will need to purchase a registration to attend GFN 2026 in person. Take advantage of a GFN26 discount at the Warsaw Presidential via our accommodation page.
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Blogs
Harry’s blog 129: Prohibition: the lessons we never learn
Australia’s unnecessary nicotine war lights up,
As reported on the website of ALIVE, the Australian vaping advocacy movement, “Australia's ongoing battle against tobacco has led to some of the strictest regulations in the world, particularly concerning vaping and cigarette pricing. While the government has framed these policies as necessary for public health, the unintended consequences have sparked a growing crisis.”
Harry’s blog 128: Behind the smoke and mirrors: the continuing challenge of tobacco harm reduction.
“If you assume that there is no hope, you guarantee there will be no hope”. Noam Chomsky
I recently returned from the 12th annual Global Forum on Nicotine (GFN) conference in Warsaw. My first visit was 2015 when I had just entered the tobacco harm reduction (THR) space after over thirty years spent with UK NGOs advocating for drug and HIV harm reduction – a space I still inhabit.