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.”
January 22, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu
Free vape schemes drive smoking rates to record lows
Government-backed schemes promoting vaping have led to a significant drop in smoking rates across UK, with places like Richmond-upon-Thames achieving a 5.3% smoking rate, close to the national "smoke-free" goal. Richmond's successful Stop Smoking Service, offering free vape kits and assistance, has helped over 178 residents quit smoking in a year. This approach is supported by evidence of vaping being less harmful than cigarettes and an effective quitting aid. Similar successful initiatives, like Swap to Stop in Dorset, have helped thousands switch to vaping, showing health and financial benefits. Quitting smoking can save individuals around £285 monthly.
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
January 21, 2026 by gfn.tv
GFN News #171 | Experts Clash Over European Heart Journal Claims
A new European Heart Journal report has reignited the debate over nicotine, heart health, and harm reduction. In this GFN News interview, Will Godfrey of Filter examines the claims that all forms of nicotine pose equal cardiovascular risk and the strong backlash from independent experts. The discussion explores criticisms of the report’s scientific approach, evidence from population studies, and concerns that its conclusions could influence upcoming EU tobacco, taxation, and health policies. With Europe already facing the world’s highest smoking rates, the video asks whether this narrative could undermine harm reduction efforts and discourage smokers from switching to less harmful alternatives.
January 21, 2026 by georgiatoday.ge
Georgia targets tobacco-free status by 2040 amid surge in e-cigarette
Georgia aims to be tobacco-free by 2040 but faces challenges due to increasing use of e-cigarettes. Despite progress in reducing tobacco use, consumption rates are high. The Tobacco Control Alliance urges action, emphasizing the need to curb alternative nicotine product use, particularly among the youth. To achieve the tobacco endgame policy, measures include taxing all tobacco equally, joining the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, and implementing plain packaging. Other recommendations involve restricting flavors, raising the legal age for tobacco purchase, and enforcing stricter regulations. Public support for these actions is high, emphasizing the need for political commitment to prioritize public health over tobacco industry interests.
28.00% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 834,000 current smokers in Georgia 52.40% of men are current smokers but only 7.80% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
January 21, 2026 by medicalxpress.com
Vaping after stopping smoking linked to lower risk of relapse back to smoking
A study led by Queen Mary University of London found that smokers who quit with e-cigarettes and continue vaping may reduce the risk of relapse back to smoking. Compared to nicotine replacement therapies, e-cigarette use showed higher effectiveness in helping smokers stay smoke-free. Continuing vaping was associated with lower relapse rates, suggesting it could have a positive health impact. The study highlights the importance of further research to confirm these findings over a longer period.
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
January 21, 2026 by filtermag.org
Vape Flavor Bans Increase Cigarette Sales in Canada, Too
Banning vape flavors can lead to increased cigarette sales, as shown by a study in Canada. Research demonstrates that restrictions on vape flavors backfire, causing a spike in cigarette purchases. Despite strict tobacco laws, flavor bans have proven counterproductive. Experts highlight the substitution effect between vapes and cigarettes, emphasizing the need for evidence-based public health policies. Advocates urge policymakers to consider the unintended consequences of flavor bans, which can undermine harm reduction efforts and public trust in health authorities. Calls for a science-based approach to regulating nicotine products aim to protect access to safer alternatives and prevent harmful outcomes.
10.60% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 3.5 million current smokers in Canada 13.10% of men are current smokers but only 8.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
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.