Read articles from Global

July 10, 2024 by nytimes.com

Zach Arledge struggled to quit vaping multiple times before seeking a new approach during winter break. He prepared by stocking up on sugary cereals and melatonin for cravings and sleep issues. Using a chart to track his progress, he experienced physical and mental challenges during the first days without nicotine, resorting to distractions like chewing on chopsticks and watching TV. Vaping's nicotine is highly addictive and poses health risks such as elevated blood sugar and pressure. While some use it to quit smoking, e-cigarettes also contain harmful substances.

July 10, 2024 by nih.gov

Growing evidence highlights the impact of e-cigarette use on cardiovascular health, prompting a crucial examination of its association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in both exclusive e-cigarette and dual use scenarios with combustible cigarettes. This meta-analysis assessed the association between e-cigarette use and CVD by synthesizing the existing literature.

July 10, 2024 by realclearhealth.com

Policymakers persist in flavor bans on vaping products despite evidence showing it can lead to increased cigarette smoking, undermining public health benefits. Studies reveal unintended consequences, such as youth switching to combustible cigarettes. Bans reduce vaping appeal, leading to more smokers. Misinformation contributes to kneejerk reactions, overshadowing scientific proof against bans. Flavors aid smoking cessation by making vaping attractive and palatable. Educating the public, evidence-based policymaking, harm reduction strategies, and balanced regulations are crucial. Flavor bans drive users back to smoking, and policymakers must grasp the broader public health impact. Ignoring evidence highlights ignorance and irresponsibility.

July 08, 2024 by news-medical.net

A study in JAMA Network Open explored mental health issues among American teenagers using tobacco and cannabis concurrently. Data showed a significant association between substance use and internalizing and externalizing problems, particularly in concurrent users. The study highlighted the prevalence of these behaviors and emphasized the importance of comprehensive interventions addressing substance use and mental health concerns in youth, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. More research is needed to understand the impact of these habits, as rates of concurrent use are increasing.

July 08, 2024 by gfn.tv

Nicotine vapes as a tool for harm reduction are gaining support in the Southeast Asian country of Malaysia. However, an entrenched illicit combustible tobacco market is making illegal nicotine vapes highly available and dramatically cheaper than those sold legally. This situation presents a significant challenge for health advocates to overcome.

July 08, 2024 by capitalfm.co.ke

Nicotine use dates back 12,300 years, with 1.25 billion smokers globally. The WHO reports 19 million quitting smoking in the last two years, signaling progress. Efforts to regulate nicotine should focus on harm reduction, consumer protection, and informative choice. Over-regulation can lead to black markets and unsafe products. Understanding consumer behavior is crucial for effective regulation. Policies should prioritize harm reduction, transparent research, and balanced regulation. Thoughtful, evidence-based regulation can protect public health and ensure informed choices. Balanced regulation is key to addressing nicotine consumption and promoting a healthier society. The author advocates for a nuanced approach to regulation, prioritizing health and scientific integrity.

July 05, 2024 by mjbizdaily.com

The cannabis industry faces financial hurdles due to Section 280E, disallowing tax deductions for marijuana businesses. Biden's proposed rescheduling to Schedule 3 could revolutionize the industry. Marijuana companies struggle with deductions for business essentials like rent, salaries, utilities, and marketing due to federal limitations. Relief from 280E could lead to reinvestment, lower prices, improved financial services, and market competitiveness. Potential changes generate excitement, speculating on economic growth and financial parity with other sectors. The industry awaits full financial liberation to reach its true potential. Rescheduling marijuana could transform the industry into a prosperous powerhouse, yet the timeline for these changes remains uncertain.

July 05, 2024 by who.int

The WHO released a guideline to aid over 750 million individuals looking to quit tobacco. It recommends behavioural support, digital interventions, and pharmacological treatments, emphasizing the struggle faced by most of the world's 1.25 billion tobacco users in accessing effective cessation services. Combining therapy and interventions boosts success rates, with varenicline, Nicotine Replacement Therapy, bupropion, and cytisine suggested as effective treatments. WHO promotes the availability of these treatments, especially in low-income countries. The organization also introduced a prequalification procedure for cessation medications in 2023. Health-care providers are urged to offer brief counselling and digital interventions to support users in quitting tobacco worldwide.

July 04, 2024 by tribune.com.pk

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued guidelines to aid adults in quitting tobacco, emphasizing behavioural support, digital interventions, and medication. With 750 million users wanting to quit, recommendations cover various tobacco products. Due to limited resources, 70% lack access to cessation services. WHO advises combining pharmacotherapy with behavioral support for successful cessation. Free or low-cost medications like varenicline and NRT are encouraged, especially in low-income countries. WHO prequalified Kenvue's NRT products in 2024.

July 03, 2024 by businessdailyafrica.com

Nicotine use dates back 12,300 years, with global tobacco trends declining, yet still, 1.25 billion people smoke. WHO reports 19 million quit two years ago, but demand persists. Regulation should balance harm reduction, safety standards, and transparency without stifling innovation. Over-regulation can lead to black markets. Understanding consumer behavior is key. Product safety and clear information are crucial for informed choices. Prioritizing harm reduction, policy should be evidence-based, considering ethical implications. Transparent research funding and peer review are essential to rebuild trust. The debate on e-cigarettes is complex, with risks for youth but potential harm reduction for adults.