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March 19, 2025 by theconversation.com

Nicotine pouches, a tobacco-free alternative to smoking and vaping, have gained popularity for their convenience and various flavors. Marketed as a "healthy" nicotine option, they lack strict regulation like Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). Despite claims of being less addictive, pouches can still contain high nicotine levels and other chemicals. Concerns include oral health effects and potential long-term risks, especially for young users. While NRT undergoes rigorous testing and is regulated, nicotine pouches are not subjected to the same scrutiny. The UK plans to regulate pouch sales to those aged 18 and above, addressing worries about youth targeting. Opting for regulated NRTs may be safer for smokers seeking to quit.

March 18, 2025 by filtermag.org

A recent study found pre-existing brain structure differences are linked to early substance use in youth. The research suggests a common liability to nicotine use may drive experimentation with tobacco products. Policy implications are noted, as vape restrictions could impact youth smoking rates. The study, published in JAMA, analyzed brain features of 9-11-year-olds to predict substance initiation. Although brain variances were connected to early substance use, other factors like genetics and environment also play a role. The study's lead author highlighted the importance of ongoing research to fully understand the impact of substance use on brain development.

March 18, 2025 by sciencefocus.com

A study in Nicotine & Tobacco Research suggests flavorings in nicotine pouches influence addiction. Sales of these pouches surged in the US, with Zyn selling 385 million units in 2024. Rats showed a preference for sweetened and flavored nicotine solutions, with males favoring cinnamaldehyde flavor. Flavors impact male consumption more than females, who are more sensitive to sweetness. Menthol increased consumption in males. While only in rats, the study has implications for human behavior, hinting at potential regulatory measures. Research shows the importance of regulating flavors and sweeteners in oral nicotine products, along with investigating other influencing factors like nicotine sources. Dr. Deniz Bagdas at Yale led the study.

March 18, 2025 by medicalxpress.com

The research paper explores how different flavors and sweeteners in nicotine pouches impact user preferences, with varying effects between males and females. Nicotine pouches have gained popularity, especially among young people, influencing nicotine intake. The study found that females preferred sweeteners, while males favored cinnamon flavor. Understanding these preferences can guide regulatory policies and harm-reduction strategies for oral nicotine products. The results highlight the importance of investigating the impact of flavors and sweeteners on consumer behavior and public health in the expanding market of oral nicotine products.

March 17, 2025 by sagepub.com

The review examined the respiratory effects of e-cigarette (EC) use in adults, categorizing users into three patterns: dual use (with cigarettes), exclusive use (after smoking cessation), and naïve use (without prior cigarette use). A total of twelve systematic reviews were included, which analyzed data from randomized controlled trials and cohort studies. The findings showed no statistically significant changes in respiratory function for any pattern of EC use in the short or medium term. Common issues such as reporting bias were noted, and the lack of significant results was likely due to the weaknesses in the studies, including participants' smoking history affecting outcomes and the inclusion of those with low EC use frequency.

March 17, 2025 by conveniencestore.co.uk

The disposable vape ban starting on June 1, 2025, will eliminate single-use vapes, causing confusion among customers and retailers. Single-use vapes represent 65% of vape sales, with a shift expected towards reusable devices. Tobacco sales are declining, but nicotine products like pouches are growing in popularity by 82%. More regulations loom, including potential bans on vape flavors and displays, prompting concerns about the impact on retailers and consumers. Adapting to diversified product offerings, such as e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn products, could be crucial for retailers to navigate upcoming changes in the market.

March 14, 2025 by gfn.tv

In this very special episode we're joined by Jessica Harding, Programme Director of this year's Global Forum on Nicotine conference! We unpack the A-list lineup of guest speakers, plenaries and much much more that you can expect at #GFN25 which takes place 19 - 21 June 2025.

March 14, 2025 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

Planet of the Vapes covered a study by the University of California San Diego stating vapes do not aid smoking cessation. Tobacco expert Clive Bates criticized the study for selection bias, arguing that it excluded successful quitters who switched to vapes after the baseline in 2017. He highlighted flaws in linking vaping to quitting smoking, as only those struggling to quit were included in the study. Bates noted the rising use of vapes like Juul from 2017 to 2021, impacting the accuracy of the findings. The study's methodology faced criticism for not accounting for successful quitters using vapes. Bates emphasized the need for unbiased research in assessing the relationship between vaping and smoking cessation.

March 11, 2025 by aol.com

Nicotine pouches, a new alternative to cigarettes and e-cigs, contain nicotine and flavors but no tobacco leaf. Experts warn of addictive properties and potential health risks, as long-term studies are lacking. Side effects include nausea and increased heart rate. While pouches have fewer carcinogens than cigarettes, their safety compared to e-cigs is uncertain. It’s advised not to start using pouches if you're not already using nicotine products. Healthier alternatives for smokers include nicotine replacement therapy. Limited information exists on the safety of different brands, as FDA approval is pending. Overall, more research is needed to determine the health effects of nicotine pouches.

March 11, 2025 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

A study in JAMA Network Open found vaping may not aid smoking cessation. Researchers, including Dr. Hartmann-Boyce and Professor Hajek, highlighted limitations in establishing causal links. They emphasized the importance of randomized controlled trials supporting e-cigarettes for quitting smoking. Dr. Hartmann-Boyce mentioned the study considered confounders but noted limitations due to its observational nature. Professor Hajek criticized the study’s methodology for excluding successful quitters, leading to biased results. He emphasized previous evidence supporting vaping as an effective method to quit smoking. In a UK trial, he found vapes more effective than nicotine replacements. The study's conclusions contradict established evidence on vaping's effectiveness in smoking cessation.