Read articles from Global

November 12, 2025 by gfn.tv

As the WHO FCTC COP11 conference approaches, Joanna Junak speaks with tobacco policy expert Clive Bates on GFN News about the growing divide between science and ideology in global tobacco control. Bates warns that prohibitionist approaches risk fueling black markets and ignoring proven harm reduction strategies. Watch now to hear his call for a new evidence-based direction in nicotine and tobacco regulation.

November 12, 2025 by regulatorwatch.com

Article text should be here...As WHO F.C.T.C. delegates meet behind closed doors in Geneva for COP 11, the Taxpayers Protection Alliance is hosting GOOD COP 2.0—the Conference of the People—a public, science-based counter-conference defending tobacco harm reduction and consumer choice. Joining RegWatch is David Williams, TPA President and founder of GOOD COP, who shares the personal story behind his mission, his critique of the WHO’s “phony science,” and his warning that Bloomberg-funded prohibitionism is costing lives.

November 12, 2025 by regulatorwatch.com

As WHO F.C.T.C. delegates meet behind closed doors in Geneva for COP 11, the Taxpayers Protection Alliance is hosting GOOD COP 2.0—the Conference of the People—a public, science-based counter-conference defending tobacco harm reduction and consumer choice. Joining RegWatch is David Williams, TPA President and founder of GOOD COP, who shares the personal story behind his mission, his critique of the WHO’s “phony science,” and his warning that Bloomberg-funded prohibitionism is costing lives.

November 12, 2025 by thepharmacist.co.uk

Teenagers in Scotland are trying unregulated nicotine pouches, experiencing issues like sickness and gum pain, per a study by ScotCen. These pouches, legal since 2019 and available to under-18s, are widely known among pupils as 'snus' or 'upper deckies'. While some believe them safer than smoking or vaping, adverse effects like gum pain and fainting were reported. School staff lack awareness of pouch use. Researchers advocate for stronger regulations and public health messaging. The UK government plans to license vape sellers in England and Wales. Research efforts are ongoing to assess the impact of nicotine products on youth health.

November 11, 2025 by clivebates.com

This page provides statements from independent experts on tobacco science and policy. They are addressed to delegates in advance of the 11th Session of the FCTC Conference of the Parties (COP-11), held in Geneva, 17-22nd November 2025. Each statement is linked from the author’s entry in the table of contents.

November 11, 2025 by thecritic.co.uk

As mentioned back in June, the European Commission has been preparing a plan to introduce EU-wide taxes on e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Consumers became aware of this and responded en masse to the mandatory public consultation, with the vast majority opposing the proposal. Public health NGOs were outraged that the public actively took part in the consultation and struck back through one of their favourite outlets — Politico. The outlet noted that there were 18,480 responses — nine times the average for EU consultations — and ran the story under the headline: “EU tobacco tax hike plan swamped with pro-industry feedback.”

November 10, 2025 by substack.com

The concept of the "blank slate" from Stephen Pinker's book questions if human nature is determined by genetics or environment. The text critiques the overemphasis on extrinsic factors in behavioral health research, neglecting intrinsic factors like risk tolerance or personal preferences. Examples in tobacco control and health policy illustrate the bias towards modifiable external influences. The focus on extrinsic factors leads to incomplete science, ineffective public health strategies, and undermines personal agency. Acknowledging both intrinsic and extrinsic factors is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of behavior and designing successful interventions.

November 10, 2025 by medicalxpress.com

Vaping, marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, poses risks, especially for young people. Columbia doctors emphasize vaping's impact on lungs, heart, and brain, noting potential long-term consequences. The addictive nature of nicotine in e-cigarettes alters the brain's reward system, increasing susceptibility to substance abuse. Parents are advised to initiate open discussions with children about vaping, addressing the dangers and addiction potential. Monitoring subtle cues and maintaining ongoing dialogue can help prevent vaping initiation among teens.

November 10, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

Nicotine vapes are more effective at helping people quit smoking than traditional nicotine replacement products. A scientific review analyzed 104 studies involving over 30,000 participants and found that vaping with nicotine is more successful in smoking cessation. There were no significant differences in side effects among the groups. Regulated nicotine vapes showed no evidence of serious harm; however, longer-term studies are needed for further evaluation. Public health agencies support nicotine vapes as a harm-reduction measure for adult smokers, emphasizing proper regulation and cautioning against non-smoker use, particularly by young individuals. Future research will focus on addressing gaps in evidence and ensuring safety in vaping practices.

November 07, 2025 by rstreet.org

Veterans have high smoking rates, leading to increased healthcare costs and mortality. Although the VA offers smoking cessation programs, many veterans struggle to quit, especially those with PTSD. Despite FDA support for harm reduction with e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, the VA has been slow to endorse these options. Some veterans are independently turning to reduced-risk products to quit smoking. Experts within the VA are advocating for harm reduction strategies, citing success in reducing smoking rates. Official VA guidance on harm reduction is lacking, but embracing reduced-risk products could further reduce smoking rates, save lives, and cut costs, benefiting veterans' health and well-being.