Nicotine Science and Policy

We spent the day in Minister of Health Mark Holland's riding to investigate his decision to ban flavoured Zonnic nicotine pouches, a licensed cessation product, and move it behind pharmacy counters. Our goal was to see if other nicotine pouches were available within 10 km of Minister Holland's riding—and you’ll be surprised at what we found. At Rights 4 Vapers, we believe adults, especially smokers, should have easy access to Tobacco Harm Reduction products. Watch to see what we uncovered and why this matters for public health.

The Office for National Statistics reports an increase in daily e-cigarette use among young adults in Great Britain. In 2023, 9.8% of adults vaped, with significant increases among women aged 16-24. While vaping aids smoking cessation, experts are concerned about its popularity among youth. Smoking rates have decreased, with 11.9% of UK adults smoking in 2023, lower among the younger population. The proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to regulate e-cigarette marketing and sales. The government emphasizes the harm reduction potential of vaping while addressing smoking-related health and economic burdens. Ash advocates for smoke-free measures and smoking cessation support for the six million smokers in the UK.

A UK survey of vapers revealed over half are likely to return to smoking if a vaping ban is imposed, with 52% fearing they will revert to cigarettes. Twenty-six percent have tried to quit vaping, some switching to cigarettes, nicotine pouches, or gum. Concerningly, a third might turn to unregulated vaping post-ban, despite being aware of the associated risks. Many prioritize product smell and flavor over safety assurance. The study suggests exploring safe, regulated alternatives and highlights the potential of nicotine pouches in reducing smoking rates. Accessibility and simplicity are key preferences among vapers.

Vaping laws coming into effect from today in some other parts of Australia will not apply in Tasmania, the Director of Public Health, Dr Mark Veitch, has confirmed. From today, 1 October 2024, national laws about the sale of e-cigarette products have changed. This means that in some mainland jurisdictions, adults can buy certain e-cigarette products over the counter in pharmacies without a prescription. However, in Tasmania existing laws restricting the buying and selling of e-cigarettes will remain in place. Dr Mark Veitch, Director of Public Health, said: “Despite changes elsewhere Tasmania is retaining the current requirements for the buying and selling of e-cigarette products.

Nicotine pouches, a trendy alternative to cigarettes, are not thoroughly researched for long-term safety. Experts point out that nicotine's addictive nature and potential side effects like heart rate elevation and mouth irritation are concerning. While pouches have lower toxic levels than cigarettes, their health impact compared to e-cigs remains unclear. Individuals not using nicotine products are advised against starting with pouches due to addictiveness. Healthier nicotine options include medical consultations for smoking cessation. Brands' relative safety is uncertain, as FDA approval is pending. In conclusion, more research is needed on nicotine pouches to determine their health effects and comparative risks to traditional tobacco products.

New Australian laws effective from October 1 allow pharmacists to provide vapes with up to 2% nicotine without a prescription to aid smoking cessation. Under 18s still need a prescription. Evidence shows vapes can help quit smoking with fewer health risks than cigarettes. The changes aim to balance adult access for therapeutic use while safeguarding youth. Barriers like pharmacist concerns and state restrictions may affect implementation. Despite concerns, the move aligns with government policy not penalizing vape users. Vapes are one of many cessation options available without a prescription, including non-nicotine medication.

In Sweden, there has been a massive transition from cigarette smoking to snus, the Swedish kind of low-toxicity oral tobacco. This product poses very little health risk compared to cigarettes, as illustrated by the fact that males in Sweden have Europe's lowest level of mortality attributable to smoking. The current investigation estimates how high the smoking-attributable mortality in Sweden would have been if there had been no snus in Sweden. It is made up by comparisons between observed Swedish data and two scenarios without snus: a group of comparable countries, and, a hypothetical Sweden with no snus use. Both comparisons suggest that around 3000 lives per year have been saved by the use of snus in Sweden.

The Heart Foundation applauds Western Australia's decision to maintain strict vaping restrictions, prioritizing public health. Despite new national regulations allowing vape sales in pharmacies without a prescription, WA's stance underscores the risks associated with e-cigarettes. Dr. Helena Viola, the Foundation's WA General Manager, highlights the dangers of vaping, including a 33% higher heart attack risk and increased likelihood of youth smoking. Emphasizing the importance of prevention, the Foundation supports WA's commitment to curbing nicotine addiction and promoting cessation through healthcare providers.

British American Tobacco is one of the oldest and largest of the world’s tobacco companies. But they are also among the most innovative. Through its U.S. subsidiary, R.J. Reynolds, BAT was the first to receive marketing authorization from the FDA through the PMTA process for the Vuse Solo e-cigarette and tobacco-flavored e-liquid pods. This marked a significant milestone for the industry. Joining us today to discuss the challenges of the FDA’s PMTA process, the importance of science, and the contentious battle over THR is Elaine Round, the Group Head of Life Sciences at BAT. Hear about BAT’s commitment to tobacco harm reduction and concerns over misperceptions of harm.

A broad coalition of Washington educators, doctors, researchers and social justice advocates has launched a campaign to ban flavored nicotine vapes in the state, citing the product’s contribution to youth addiction. “We want to create a generation that will not be targeted by the tobacco industry, a generation who will not be susceptible to tobacco-related death and disease,” said Brittany Grant, regional advocacy director for Tobacco-Free Kids, one of the groups leading the coalition. “We can’t put profits over lives.”