Read articles from Global

May 15, 2026 by sciencemediacentre.org

Expert reactions to the WHO report on nicotine pouches reflect ongoing divisions within public health and tobacco control research. While concerns continue to focus on youth uptake, nicotine dependence, and product marketing practices, several researchers argue that risk communication should also acknowledge the substantially lower harm profile of non-combustible nicotine products compared with cigarettes. Critics warn that presenting all nicotine products as equally harmful may contribute to growing public misperceptions and discourage smokers from switching away from combustible tobacco. The debate highlights broader tensions between precautionary regulation, harm reduction principles, and the role of scientific evidence in shaping public health policy.

May 15, 2026 by filtermag.org

Growing criticism of the World Health Organization’s position on tobacco harm reduction is now emerging from within its own former leadership. Three former WHO directors argue that achieving major reductions in global smoking prevalence may require greater acceptance of lower-risk nicotine products as part of public health strategy. They warn that excluding harm reduction from tobacco control frameworks could slow progress in reducing smoking-related disease and mortality, particularly in countries where cigarette use remains widespread. The debate reflects broader tensions between abstinence-focused policies and approaches centred on risk reduction, consumer behaviour, and evidence-based regulation.

May 14, 2026 by daily-pouch.com

A recent study on e‑cigarette use and smoking cessation found that using nicotine vapes with support increases quitting success by 2-3 times compared to support alone. Vaping also led to a reduction of 4–5 cigarettes per day. Results varied on whether vapes were more effective than traditional stop‑smoking medicines. Consistent vape usage was crucial for quitting success. High-quality studies confirmed vaping as an effective quit aid, but long-term data and evolving vape products pose some concerns. Overall, the study highlights the importance of integrating vapes into smoking cessation programs and addressing the stigma around their use.

May 14, 2026 by substack.com

Navigating the complex PMTA process involves years of compiling applications, paying for legal and compliance costs while facing state and local restrictions. Despite declining smoking rates, concerns arise over FDA authorizations, especially in cases like GLAS. Large tobacco companies invest billions in expansions, hinting at foreknowledge of regulatory outcomes. Small businesses are left waiting, contrasting with big corporations' bold moves. Doubts about regulatory coherence lead to skepticism, as concerns about regulatory personnel transitions and industry ties emerge. Uncertainty prevails for small businesses awaiting decisions, while larger corporations seem assured. The system's mixed messages raise questions about fairness and predictability in public health regulation.

May 14, 2026 by dcjournal.com

Recent survey findings suggest that public attitudes toward nicotine and tobacco policy may be more complex than commonly reflected in advocacy campaigns and media narratives. The data indicate that many smokers feel increasingly stigmatised and disconnected from public health messaging, particularly when harm reduction approaches are excluded from policy discussions. Researchers and analysts argue that overlooking the perspectives and behavioural realities of smokers may limit the effectiveness of tobacco control strategies aimed at reducing combustible cigarette use. The findings also reinforce ongoing debates about the role of consumer choice, risk communication, and access to lower-risk alternatives within evidence-based public health policy.

May 13, 2026 by substack.com

Debates around tobacco harm reduction are increasingly exposing tensions between public health messaging and institutional behaviour. Critics argue that some organisations continue to reject lower-risk nicotine alternatives while simultaneously supporting policies that have failed to reduce smoking effectively. The discussion highlights what is seen as a growing disconnect between scientific evidence, consumer experiences and regulatory narratives. Concerns are also raised about selective framing of risk, particularly when safer alternatives are treated similarly to combustible cigarettes. At the centre of the debate lies a broader question of consistency, credibility and whether public health policies are being applied evenly across different forms of nicotine use.

May 13, 2026 by filtermag.org

Psilocybin, a compound in "magic mushrooms," shows promise in treating substance use disorders, with a recent study finding it more effective in smoking cessation than nicotine patches when combined with therapy. The study had limitations in participant diversity, excluding those with certain mental health conditions. Researchers suggest further exploring psychedelics for addiction treatment, emphasizing the need for inclusive trials. The six-month follow-up showed a higher abstinence rate in the psilocybin group. Future research should include diverse populations for better representation. The study's use of nicotine patches raised questions due to their low efficacy compared to newer options like vapes, urging for more relevant comparators in future studies.

May 11, 2026 by gfn.tv

Today we explore the rise of harm reduction across the Middle East and North Africa through the story of MENAHRA and the activists, healthcare workers, and organizations fighting stigma, HIV, and outdated drug policies. In regions where addiction and public health issues are often heavily stigmatized, harm reduction became more than healthcare — it became a movement for human rights and survival.

May 11, 2026 by bbc.com

World Health Organisation reports smoking claims 7 million lives yearly. Smokers turn to vaping for health reasons, but WHO warns of 100 million e-cigarette users globally, fueling nicotine addiction. Recent study links vaping to cancer, raising concerns if it's as harmful as smoking. Expert opinion from Professor Lion Shahab questions vaping's safety compared to smoking.

May 08, 2026 by substack.com

This is a long article; a comment on the FDA’s Draft Guidance for Industry: Flavored ENDS Premarket Applications – Considerations Related to Youth Risk. Comment by: Clive Bates, Stefanie Miller, Brad Rodu, Sally Satel, and David Sweanor. The Draft Guidance regulating safer alternatives to smoking, including flavored ENDS, directly impacts the health and well-being of more than 60 million Americans, most of whom are adults. Despite its importance, the guidance is considered disconnected from real-world conditions and unfit for its intended purpose. The public health standard “Appropriate for the Protection of Public Health” (APPH) should take into account actual market conditions, real human behavior, and the likely public health consequences of authorization decisions.