Read articles from Global

June 25, 2025 by news-medical.net

Exposure to cannabis and e-cigarette posts on social media influences teen substance use, with dual use being common. Although youth e-cigarette use is decreasing, adolescents are still vaping, using cannabis, and combining both. Researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine found that TikTok poses the highest risk for substance use exposure. Influencers play a significant role, as their posts without disclosed brand partnerships can affect teen behavior. Social media guidelines need improvement to prevent youth substance use. Future studies will delve into cannabis influencer marketing effects.

June 25, 2025 by thefirebreak.org

Harm reduction is a pragmatic health approach aiming to minimize harm from risky behaviors. Challenges arise due to opposition from health campaigners, criticizing harm reduction for potentially promoting risky behavior. Examples include distributing free needles for drug users. Misinformation campaigns against vaping and reduced harm alternatives to smoking are a concern, hindering public health progress. Concerns about harm reduction strategies influencing youth behavior exist but may be overstated. The WHO spreads misinformation on nicotine products, while activist NGOs align with anti-vaping rhetoric. Genuine public health leaders include passionate vaping advocates advocating for reduced harm alternatives. Issues arise from misinformation, corporate interests, and lack of support for harm reduction efforts.

June 25, 2025 by theblaze.com

Global public health elites propose a 50% tax increase on tobacco, alcohol, sugary drinks, and processed foods to raise $3.7 trillion, seen as governmental theft. These "health taxes" aim to expand state control rather than combat illness. The burden falls heavily on working-class individuals. The strategy is viewed as economic punishment, not health promotion. Taxing small pleasures disproportionately affects the most vulnerable. Prohibitive pricing can lead to black markets and overlooks personal freedoms and informed choices. Public health should focus on harm reduction and education, not coercive taxation. Respecting individual autonomy and promoting innovation yields better outcomes than punitive measures.

June 25, 2025 by consideratepouchers.org

Spain's Ministry of Health's proposed regulation to ban flavored nicotine pouches and cap nicotine levels may unintentionally drive former smokers back to cigarettes. A survey shows most users switched to pouches to quit smoking and strongly oppose the ban. Many fear a return to cigarettes if the regulation is enforced. Instead of blanket bans, age verification and vendor penalties could better prevent youth access. The current approach risks fueling a black market and increasing smoking rates. Effective public health policies should focus on education and responsible sales rather than punishing consumers. Protecting the vulnerable means regulating with evidence, not fear.

June 23, 2025 by spokesman.com

During the academic year, ZYN nicotine pouches are among the top-selling items at the Mobil gas station on Hamilton Street near Gonzaga University. Students prefer them for their discreet use and variety of flavors, with the store selling 14–16 five-can rolls weekly. Most students don’t buy other nicotine products. Due to the rising popularity of nicotine pouches, lawmakers across the U.S. are considering adjusting tobacco taxes to include these products.

June 23, 2025 by gfn.tv

Ahead of the upcoming World Conference on Tobacco Control, leading addiction and harm reduction specialist Garrett McGovern sat down with Brent Stafford to underscore the issues with Tobacco Control's rejection of tobacco harm reduction, and why following the science is the only rational approach to public health policy.

June 23, 2025 by nih.gov

The academic literature's terminology around e-cigarette behaviors is crucial. Despite differences between vaping and tobacco smoking, terms like "e-cigarette smoking" are used interchangeably, potentially causing confusion. A study reviewed articles from 2015 to 2024 to assess the prevalence of these terms and their impact. The search across various databases identified widespread use of "e-cigarette smoking" and variants. Some highly cited studies also inaccurately linked e-cigarette use with smoking. Misleading terms could distort views on nicotine dependence, harm reduction, and policy-making. Standardizing language in research is vital for accurate communication and effective public health efforts.

June 21, 2025 by bbc.com

Since the ban on disposable vapes, over 2,000 illegal products were seized from Kent shops by Trading Standards. Inspections were conducted in over 80 stores, with some not complying with the ban. Further checks will be done to enforce the ban. Violators can face fines and prison time, as the ban aims to reduce the environmental impact of disposable vapes. The seized items will be recycled, and stricter regulations now require vapes to be reusable. This clampdown follows the confiscation of over six million illegal vaping products across England in recent years.

June 21, 2025 by medium.com

Global Action to End Smoking is facing turmoil, with its president Cliff Douglas laid off amid financial struggles. Renamed from the Foundation for A Smoke Free World, the organization supports tobacco harm reduction but has difficulty raising funds. The board of directors, paying themselves generously, recently made layoffs and hired a new chief development officer. Critics question the board's motives and expertise in tobacco control. The foundation, originally linked to Philip Morris, has battled reputational issues. Despite grants for research and agricultural projects, its impact is debated. Lack of advocacy and engagement in e-cigarette debates raise concerns about its effectiveness. The future role of Global Action in shaping the tobacco market remains uncertain.

June 18, 2025 by newswire.ca

The Taxpayers Protection Alliance leads a call for reform within the WHO's tobacco control arm, citing politicized policymaking and lack of consumer input. Amid criticism of the WHO's pandemic response, advocates push for evidence-based changes at the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Consumer voices stress the need for transparency and science-based policymaking for effective reform. The panel urges the WHO and FCTC to prioritize pragmatic strategies over prohibitionist approaches to combat smoking rates and health inequities. The key message is to prioritize scientific integrity and consumer inclusion for meaningful reform in international health institutions.