Read articles from United Kingdom

April 14, 2025 by dailymail.co.uk

MPs and campaigners warned that the lack of new recruits enforcing the disposable vapes ban could fuel criminal activity. Only 80 Trading Standards officers were hired with inadequate funding, risking a rise in the illicit market. Amid concerns, the government faces challenges enforcing the ban on disposable vapes, with insufficient resources allocated. Critics fear the UK could see crime levels similar to Australia due to limited enforcement. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to restrict vaping, increase taxes, and ban advertising, with enforcement delegated across multiple government departments. Concerns persist over the proliferation of illicit vaping products and tobacco, raising worries about organized crime involvement.

April 10, 2025 by filtermag.org

A report commissioned by the UK government highlights that drug-related law enforcement often increases violence rather than reducing it, contradicting current policies. The findings emphasize the need for a shift in drug enforcement strategies to consider the risk of exacerbating violence, especially linked to disrupting trafficking groups. Despite previous warnings from experts and former law enforcement officials, the report urges policymakers to take immediate action. Examples from a recent think tank report illustrate how enforcement actions can worsen violence and societal disruption dynamics without impacting drug markets in the long term, implying a need for a reevaluation of drug policy approaches.

April 02, 2025 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

The UK Parliament has voted 360 to 42 in favor of advancing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to the House of Lords. Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) praised the decision, calling it a historic step toward phasing out tobacco sales for future generations. ASH Chief Executive Hazel Cheeseman highlighted that smoking has caused over 8 million deaths in the UK and emphasized that the bill, introduced by a Conservative government and supported by Labour, unites the country in its commitment to ending smoking-related harm.

April 01, 2025 by medicalxpress.com

The University of Bath's Tobacco Control Research Group studied industry submissions on the 2023/24 Tobacco and Vapes Bill, proposing a ban on tobacco sales to those born after 2009. Industry tactics to resist regulations were revealed, including opposition to the ban for lacking evidence and claims of harm to retailers. Tobacco companies pushed for weaker restrictions and exemptions. Despite claims of change, they continue to resist public health measures. The 2023/4 Bill was dropped, but a more ambitious version was later introduced. Researchers warn of industry pushback against strict policies and emphasize the importance of resisting industry influence to protect public health and future generations.

March 20, 2025 by theguardian.com

Smoking rates in parts of England have recently risen after nearly two decades of decline. Research from University College London showed a 10% increase in smoking in southern England from 2020 to 2024. The study suggested higher smoking rates among women and potential relapses among quitters. Despite progress in the north, concerns about funding cuts for smoking cessation programs were raised. Efforts to tackle smoking are seen as crucial, with calls for equal access to stop smoking services across the country. Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining momentum to achieve a smoke-free UK.

March 19, 2025 by londonlovesbusiness.com

Nicotine dependency is a tough habit to break, impacting both brain reward systems and physical routines. CBD is gaining attention as a non-addictive alternative due to its interaction with brain receptors that regulate cravings and stress. Canavape, founded in 2014, offers a variety of CBD products aimed at providing well-being support. CBD's effectiveness is attributed to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, different from nicotine's action on acetylcholine receptors. Canavape products are UK-formulated and lab-tested, catering to diverse well-being needs. For those looking to transition from nicotine, CBD provides a holistic solution supporting physical and mental health.

March 18, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

A UK initiative, Swap 2 Stop, distributing free vape kits has helped over 3,500 smokers switch to vaping in Dorset alone, enhancing their health. Public Health Dorset's data indicates that being smoke-free for 28 days boosts the quit rate. The scheme's participants reported improved health after transitioning from smoking to vaping. Nationally, vaping has proven to be the most successful aid for quitting smoking in recent years, with over 5.6 million UK adults using vapes. Despite its effectiveness, vaping faces impending restrictions through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in parliament.

March 18, 2025 by independent.co.uk

Sweet-flavored nicotine pouches can lead to increased consumption, warn researchers. The popularity of these pouches has doubled, with flavors impacting user satisfaction. A study tested different flavors on rats and found females preferred sucrose, while males favored cinnamon. Sweeteners influence nicotine preference in females, while flavors play a bigger role for males. Nicotine, though less harmful than tobacco, remains addictive due to its impact on dopamine levels. Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, craving, and cognitive deficits. Understanding flavor preferences can help in creating effective harm reduction strategies.

March 17, 2025 by express.co.uk

Labour's strict policies, such as banning smoking and disposable vapes, are driving support towards Nigel Farage's Reform party, according to a poll by the Adam Smith Institute. One in five former Labour voters are considering voting for Reform, as they believe Labour interferes too much in people's lives. The public perceives Farage and Reform as more fun and understanding of working-class issues. Many feel the government should focus on more important matters instead of restricting personal freedoms. The survey indicates a shift in support due to Labour's tendency to ban enjoyable activities, with the focus being on fun and prioritizing essential issues for voters.

March 14, 2025 by yourharrogate.co.uk

Yorkshire Cancer Research promotes vaping as a smoking cessation tool, dispelling misconceptions about its safety. The charity funds programs to increase access to vapes in Yorkshire, where vaping aids in over 4,600 smokers quitting annually. Despite evidence showing vaping is less harmful than smoking, misconceptions persist. The charity's stop smoking initiatives, including offering free vape kits, have successfully helped many quit. More than 4,400 individuals in Yorkshire have quit smoking with their support. Dr. Griffiths emphasizes the importance of vaping as a cessation aid, advocating for its accessibility while combatting youth vaping. The charity supports measures like raising the cigarette sales age and tobacco industry taxes to fund cessation services.