Veterans have high smoking rates, leading to increased healthcare costs and mortality. Although the VA offers smoking cessation programs, many veterans struggle to quit, especially those with PTSD. Despite FDA support for harm reduction with e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, the VA has been slow to endorse these options. Some veterans are independently turning to reduced-risk products to quit smoking. Experts within the VA are advocating for harm reduction strategies, citing success in reducing smoking rates. Official VA guidance on harm reduction is lacking, but embracing reduced-risk products could further reduce smoking rates, save lives, and cut costs, benefiting veterans' health and well-being.

The World Health Organization is no longer just fighting smoking—it’s waging an ideological war against nicotine itself. In this blistering interview, former WHO official Professor Tikki Pang exposes how the global health establishment has become evidence-blind, influenced by Bloomberg funding, and driven by a moral crusade that erases the distinction between smoking and safer alternatives. From “harm is harm” rhetoric to regulatory capture, Pang warns that WHO’s stance is fueling misinformation, stifling science, and putting millions of lives at risk.

EU Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi discussed plans at the FILTERED Conference to increase taxation and regulations on nicotine products like vaping. The conference, funded by the EU, is run by a group advocating for strict rules on vaping, raising concerns of conflicts of interest. The group also pushes to exclude industry representatives and consumers from policy discussions. The EU Commission aims to tighten controls on tobacco, vaping, unhealthy foods, and alcohol. However, restricting less harmful alternatives may not align with evidence or promote harm reduction. A balanced approach should prioritize access to less harmful options, accurate information, and proportional regulation that respects adult choice and democratic participation.

The EU faces a battle over smokeless nicotine products ahead of the WHO summit on the tobacco convention. Sweden and other countries advocate for snus and e-cigarettes to reduce smoking, opposing the European Commission's strict regulation approach almost like a ban. The Commission's stance surprises as countries resist, fearing a potential ban on popular products like nicotine pouches. History reflects similar past clashes over e-cigarettes. Lobbying intensifies for a ban through the WHO Convention, but pragmatic countries like Sweden challenge the Commission. Threats of bans on flavors in e-liquids and nicotine pouches loom. The closed-door WHO meeting on November 17-22 may shape future EU tobacco policies amid transparency concerns.

Despite a ban in the UK, disposable vapes are openly sold, with a new investigation revealing ongoing challenges in enforcing regulations. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is undergoing detailed scrutiny in the House of Lords to regulate tobacco and vaping sales. Illicit single-use vapes were found in Brighton, indicating a struggle with enforcement despite seizures. The ban aimed to reduce youth vaping and environmental harm but may inadvertently fuel an illicit market. Responsible retailers have adapted to the ban, promoting reusable products. The bill aims for a smoke-free generation and stricter regulations, while industry experts stress the need for better enforcement and standards.

The World Health Organization reports tobacco kills over 7 million people annually. Experts suggest reevaluating the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, as smoking rates and related deaths persist globally. Despite efforts like taxation and cessation programs, little progress is evident. Criticisms include a lack of transparency on smoking prevalence rates and failure to focus on Harm Reduction strategies. Concerns persist over high smoking rates in regions like Indonesia and China. The WHO is accused of hindering Tobacco Harm Reduction progress. Experts call for more effective approaches, especially for long-term heavy smokers. Discussions at the Global Forum on Nicotine highlight challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries under the WHO FCTC.

The Lancet report reveals a rise in untimely young adult deaths due to mental health issues, overdoses, and chronic diseases, despite a global decline in death rates. While youth vaping is a concern, policymakers must address the actual pressing problems like mental health and chronic diseases. Worldwide, anxiety and depression have increased, with lifestyle diseases on the rise among younger populations. Lawmakers' focus on vaping doesn't align with evidence that it's not a gateway to smoking. To combat youth mortality, prioritizing mental health services and addressing actual drivers of the crisis is crucial, while restrictions on vaping could divert attention from more significant issues impacting young people.

Discover the real science behind effective vaping. In this episode, Joanna Junak talks with vaping science researcher Roberto Sussman about how power, airflow, and resistance shape vapor production, flavor, and efficiency. Learn why temperature control isn’t the key factor—and how adjusting wattage, coil resistance, and airflow settings can completely change your vaping experience. If you’ve ever wondered how to tune your vape for better performance, this episode explains the physics behind it all—clearly and scientifically.

Exposure to traditional and heated tobacco, whether active or passive, can lead to intestinal issues, oxidative stress, and vascular problems, challenging the notion that "smokeless" means safe. Research shows that both types of tobacco smoke cause oxidative stress and endotoxemia, impacting the gut barrier and cardiovascular health. Despite claims of reduced harm, heated tobacco products (HTPs) still pose risks comparable to conventional cigarettes. Children are particularly vulnerable to these effects. Studies outline the relationship between tobacco exposure, circulating endotoxins, and oxidative pathways, emphasizing the importance of stricter tobacco control measures for public health protection.

A study in the UK examined young people's views and use of nicotine pouches, with findings showing high awareness and experimental use, especially among boys. School staff were largely unaware of the pouches. The research recommends enforcing restrictions on sales to under 18s, and regulating marketing and packaging to protect youth. Older boys were found to use pouches discreetly, with reports of adverse effects from users, including gum pain and sickness. The study involved 16 focus groups and interviews with school staff, conducted in Scotland by the Scottish Centre for Social Research. The data highlighted the need for stricter regulation on nicotine pouches to safeguard the well-being of young people.