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November 08, 2024 by tvpworld.com

Poland plans to ban nicotine pouches over health risks

Nicotine pouches containing synthetic nicotine, placed on the gums, have become popular in Poland as an alternative to smoking or vaping. However, health experts warn that they pose significant health risks, including cancers of the mouth, throat, and pancreas, as well as cardiovascular issues. Tobacco-containing pouches, known as "snus," are already banned in Poland. Polish Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna announced on TVP Info that officials are now working on legislation to also ban pouches containing synthetic nicotine.

November 08, 2024 by polskieradio.pl

Poland to ban synthetic nicotine pouches amid health concerns, health minister announces

Poland's Health Minister, Izabela Leszczyna, announced plans to ban synthetic nicotine pouches over health concerns. The ministry is working on legislation to prohibit the sale and distribution of these products.

November 07, 2024 by eureporter.co

Paris’ plans to ban nicotine pouches do not add value to public health

France’s plan to ban nicotine pouches seems like a counterproductive step that may increase the illegal trade of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. Instead, adopting a harm-reduction approach like Sweden’s could be more beneficial for public health. Sweden's model has been effective in reducing smoking rates, bringing the country close to achieving its smoke-free target. Nicotine pouches have become popular in France, particularly among people looking to quit smoking. However, Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq has called them "dangerous products" due to their high nicotine content, and a ban is expected to be announced soon.

November 07, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

Greece Set to Boost Penalties for Youth Vape Sales

Greece plans to enforce stricter penalties for businesses selling alcohol, electronic cigarettes, and vaping products to minors. This initiative involves multiple ministries and aims to enhance alcohol laws. Offenders may face imprisonment, fines, and business closure. Authorities noticed past oversights regarding minors' access to harmful products. Changes include increased law enforcement and tougher regulations to safeguard minors.

November 07, 2024 by thediplomat.com

Kyrgyzstan’s Vape Ban: Clean Lungs or Dirty Lobbying?

Kyrgyzstan's parliament passed a law banning e-cigarettes to protect youth health, but excluded heated tobacco products. Concerns exist regarding lobbying influence, legislative changes, and press freedom restrictions. Disparities in fines and corruption risks were raised by Deputy Bekeshev and Surabaldieva. The law enforces strict penalties, impacting the budget, potentially boosting illicit markets, and leading to regulatory violations. Major players can still manufacture for export, with debate over potential monopolization and WTO compliance. The influence of tobacco companies is highlighted, impacting legislative decisions.

November 07, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

Sweden set to be declared world’s first ‘smoke-free’ country

Sweden is close to becoming the first 'smoke-free' country, with a smoking rate of 5.6%. Utilizing snus and vaping, the nation reduced smoking by 55% in a decade, far ahead of the EU average. Despite success, most EU countries overlook the benefits of harm-reducing alternatives. Sweden's proactive measures and reduced tax on snus have led to significantly lower tobacco-related deaths, outperforming the EU. In contrast, countries like Australia and Brazil facing strict vaping bans struggle with a surge in illegal trade. EU countries lacking accessible alternatives have seen minimal decline in smoking rates, underlining Sweden's progressive approach to public health.

November 06, 2024 by hurriyetdailynews.com

Dutch court upholds e-cigarette flavor ban

A Dutch court has upheld the government's ban on sweet flavors for e-cigarettes, stating they attract young people to smoke. British American Tobacco's appeal against the ban was rejected. The court deemed the flavor ban lawful due to e-cigarettes' harmfulness and appeal to youth. The argument that the ban hinders smoking cessation efforts was dismissed, as e-cigarettes with tobacco flavor remain available. This decision allows smokers to switch to tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes under the ban.

November 06, 2024 by barrons.com

Dutch Court Upholds E-cigarette Flavour Ban

A Dutch court upheld the government’s ban on sweet flavors for e-cigarettes on Wednesday, citing their appeal to young people and the associated health risks. British American Tobacco (BAT) had challenged the ban, claiming it infringed on the free movement of goods and could deter smokers from switching to e-cigarettes as a quitting aid. The court rejected BAT's arguments, stating that tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes are still available, allowing smokers to continue using e-cigarettes to quit traditional smoking within the restrictions.

November 06, 2024 by adamsmith.org

Smoke-Free Projection Extended by 9 years — Adam Smith Institute

Cancer Research UK doubts the UK's 2030 smoke-free goal is achievable, foreseeing a likely target year of 2039 due to slow decline in smoking rates. Concerns arise over the impact of the government's tax on e-liquids and proposed regulations on harm reduction products. Disparities in smoking prevalence between different socioeconomic groups are highlighted, underscoring the urgency to bridge the deprivation gap. Solutions like affordability, access to disposable vapes, and appealing flavors are advocated. The text proposes enforcing existing laws, implementing a vape licensing scheme, and a deposit return system for recycling, criticizing current tax and prohibition approaches. Encouraging a market-driven strategy could better aid in achieving smoke-free goals.

November 06, 2024 by gfn.tv

CZECH CONTRADICTION | Different approaches for nicotine and psychoactive substances

While the Czech Republic is introducing new measures to regulate psychoactive substances according to risk, the government is also considering harsher restrictions for safer alternatives to smoking. Filip Blaha of the Institute of Liberal Studies joins Joanna Junak to explain the proposals.

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