The UK banned disposable vapes to prevent child access. Concerns are rising over nicotine pouches, with 43% of 11-18 year-olds aware of them in June 2024, up from 38%. Public health charity ASH is monitoring the trend closely. Nina discussed the issue with school students and a health specialist.

Denver voters have upheld a ban on flavored nicotine products, rejecting efforts for a repeal. The ban, imposed in 2024, prohibits the sale of menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars, and fruity vapes. Supporters claimed flavors drive youth vaping, while opponents argued it could harm small businesses and increase cigarette sales. The highly funded “Yes on 310” campaign prevailed over the underfunded opposition. Despite hopes for a different outcome, Denver joins other cities in Colorado with similar bans. The ban's impact on public health and smoking cessation efforts is now being monitored closely by experts.

Health Canada is struggling to justify its decision to keep nicotine pouches out of convenience stores and restrict their sale to pharmacies. During a committee hearing, Deputy Health Minister Greg Orencsak acknowledged that the products were initially approved as a “less harmful” alternative to smoking and that Health Canada remains committed to helping Canadians quit. Despite this, the agency continues to support former health minister Mark Holland’s order requiring nicotine pouches to be sold only in pharmacies, limiting access to this effective smoking cessation aid.

"Disruptive innovations" revolutionize markets by meeting consumer needs in new ways. The shift from cigarettes to safer nicotine products is akin to the transition from combustion engine cars to electric vehicles. Vaping, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches have gained popularity, with over 140 million users worldwide. Despite rapid growth, some countries resist these alternatives. Policies in the US and New Zealand support the transition, while Australia faces challenges due to restrictions leading to a growing black market. Ultimately, the trend towards safer nicotine options is reshaping the market, asserting its importance over traditional cigarettes globally.

In Great Britain, more adults now use vapes than smoke cigarettes for the first time according to the Office for National Statistics. Daily vape use is popular among 25-49 year olds, with increasing numbers of women vaping. Vaping has fewer risks than smoking, but long-term effects are uncertain. Health experts advise against vaping for non-smokers and children. Although smoking rates have decreased, there are still concerns about addiction and its impact on public health. Government measures have contributed to reducing smoking rates, with ongoing efforts to support communities with high smoking rates. Legislation is being introduced to restrict tobacco sales to those born after 2009.

Former WHO staff urges governments to adopt tobacco harm reduction, potentially saving 100 million lives. Experts Derek Yach and Tikki Pang advocate for revising the Tobacco Control Convention before the COP11 meeting. They emphasize the need for policy changes to promote safer nicotine products and criticize barriers to harm reduction in medical practices. Highlighting successful examples like Japan and the US, they warn of the health and economic burden on developing countries. Embracing harm reduction is crucial, especially in regions with high smoking rates. The experts urge a shift in approach towards tobacco control policies for improved public health outcomes globally.

Although it was somewhat kept under wraps, nicotine inhalators – produced by companies such as Pfizer and Kenvue – have been discontinued. Are Pharmacist Only vapes the next best alternative? Deepali Gupta, an advanced cardiac pharmacist at Queensland Health and co-chair of the Statewide Smoking Cessation Working Group, first heard rumours in mid-2024 that nicotine inhalators would be discontinued. ‘It started with some reports from overseas,’ she said. ‘The reason for the discontinuation was that the resin needed to make the mouthpieces can no longer be sourced.’ This development impacts a significant group of patients with mental health conditions, many of whom have higher smoking rates and currently rely on inhalators as part of their nicotine replacement therapy.

The European Commission advocates a ban on cigarette filters and e-cigarettes, aligning with WHO directives. This move extends centralized power and fiscal control, overshadowing Member States' sovereignty. The proposal, driven by environmental and health concerns, masks a fiscal control agenda, enabling Brussels to appropriate national tax revenues. NGOs, funded by the Commission, amplify WHO policies, tightening the grip on EU legislation. The regulation would detrimentally impact European tobacco producers and erode subsidiarity principles. It contrasts with successful national policies like Sweden's. The push for global regulations contradicts von der Leyen's promises of economic freedom. Upholding health and freedom necessitates independent legislative decision-making and transparency in NGO funding.

Vaping is viewed more negatively than before, with concerns raised about its risks. Vapes are less harmful than cigarettes, containing fewer toxins. While not risk-free, vaping helps smokers quit, with research showing its effectiveness. Concerns exist about vaping during pregnancy, but it appears safer than smoking. Vaping is not a significant gateway to smoking among young people. Public health advice recommends vaping for smokers but discourages it for non-smokers. Misconceptions persist, with smokers mostly unaware of vaping benefits. Young people's use of vapes is a concern, but data does not strongly support it as a gateway to smoking. Balancing public health benefits and risks is crucial.

Tax hikes in Ireland, doubling vape prices, concern addicts quitting cigarettes and impact smokers. The Department of Health targets youth vaping but faces backlash. Irish Heart Foundation supports tax due to rising youth vaping rates. Vape shop owners fear black market growth and loss of adult customers. UK plans similar vape tax next year. Responsible Vaping Ireland backs the tax for public health. Enforcement and restrictions on flavors and sales are proposed. Vape shops foresee challenges in compliance and business sustainability amid rising prices.