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.
September 09, 2026 by substack.com
When Nicotine Is Treated as Synonymous with Smoking, Science—and People—Lose
Equating nicotine with smoking is one of the most damaging shortcuts in public health communication. Nicotine can cause dependence, but the major burden of disease comes from inhaling smoke from combustible tobacco. Blurring that distinction leaves smokers confused about safer alternatives and less able to judge their options realistically. Clearer policy should target the harms of combustion while giving adults honest information about lower-risk nicotine products.
September 09, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu
Nearly half of vapers would consider black-market products as October tax approaches, new survey finds
Nearly half of vapers considering black-market products should be read as a warning about policy design. A tax that makes legal vaping less affordable can push people towards unregulated supply, where product standards, age checks and consumer protection are weaker. That does not strengthen public health; it shifts risk into places authorities struggle to control. Taxation should discourage smoking without making safer legal alternatives less attractive than the black market.
11.80% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 6.7 million current smokers in United Kingdom 13.60% of men are current smokers but only 10.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
September 08, 2026 by github.io
The Global Regulatory Paradox of Cannabis Versus Nicotine
The contrast between cannabis liberalisation and nicotine restriction reveals a deep regulatory inconsistency. Governments increasingly defend adult autonomy for cannabis while criminalising non-combustible nicotine products that can move smokers away from cigarettes. That double standard is hard to justify on harm reduction grounds, especially when combustion drives so much of the risk in both markets. Policy should be based on exposure, evidence and real-world outcomes — not on which substance happens to be more politically acceptable.
September 08, 2026 by conveniencestore.co.uk
How illegal tobacco is stealing profits from convenience store retailers
Illegal tobacco is not a side issue on UK high streets; it is becoming part of the retail landscape. Cheap illicit cigarettes undercut responsible shops, weaken age controls and move the market further away from oversight. That should worry anyone serious about public health. A credible tobacco strategy has to make legal routes away from smoking stronger than the criminal supply chains keeping combustible tobacco cheap and accessible.
11.80% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 6.7 million current smokers in United Kingdom 13.60% of men are current smokers but only 10.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
September 08, 2026 by snusforumet.se
Australia grapples with tobacco tax hike fallout
Australia’s tobacco tax fallout shows the danger of treating price as a standalone public health tool. Excessive excise can push smokers towards illegal cigarettes, strengthen criminal supply chains and weaken trust in regulation. The goal should be lower smoking, not a larger black market. Tax policy works best alongside realistic enforcement and legal access to lower-risk alternatives that make leaving combustion easier.
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”.