Stories

Researchers at UBCO warn that TikTok videos glamorizing nicotine pouch use are shaping a trendy image, particularly among youth. Despite Health Canada authorizing these pouches for adult smoking cessation, they're off-limits for under-18s. Dr. Laura Struik's analysis of 250 videos, totaling nearly 2 million shares, highlights how users portray pouches as seamless with daily life. The videos fail to address potential health risks like gum recession and heart problems from prolonged use. Struik suggests involving young people in policy discussions about these products. Health Canada is enforcing regulations on approved pouch brands due to concerns about unauthorized sales to minors.

Switzerland's failure to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control despite hosting WHO's headquarters allows the tobacco industry to wield significant influence. Despite COP11 decisions to tackle issues like environmental pollution and deceptive industry claims, the tobacco lobby continues to impede global tobacco control efforts. Switzerland's strong ties between the tobacco industry and politicians hinder progress, with the country ranking poorly in the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index. The tobacco industry's active presence in policymaking highlights the weaknesses in Swiss tobacco control legislation, as seen through the watering down of key regulations. This contributes to Switzerland's low ranking in tobacco control policy implementation compared to other European countries.

Denmark’s EU Presidency has proposed a sharp tax increase on heated tobacco products in a last-minute revision of the Tobacco Excise Directive, favoring NGO anti-tobacco demands while ignoring member states’ concerns The new draft, circulated on 28 November, introduces higher minimum taxes, changes product definitions, and sparks criticism for bypassing democratic scrutiny Critics argue the “super tax” undermines harm-reduction goals and reflects advocacy more than EU state consensus.

Costa Rica's ruling party member proposes a bill to ban vapes completely, citing health risks, especially for youth. The bill includes outlawing import, sale, and use, as well as related activities like advertising and distribution. Law 25.309 would also establish a prohibited substances list and repeal a current law with a 20% tax on vaping products. The lawmaker emphasizes minors' easy access to vapes, health issues like lung damage, and industry tactics targeting young users. The proposal mirrors bans in other Latin American countries and faces concerns about potential black markets. The bill is pending further legislative review.

The convenience store trade body reaffirms responsible retailing commitment to Wes Streeting regarding illegal high-strength nicotine pouches. Highlighting the lack of official guidance, SGF emphasizes the need for clear standards in the sale and promotion of nicotine pouches to prevent sales to minors. It suggests industry-government collaboration to develop guidelines, advocating age restrictions in line with the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. SGF plans to engage with ministers and officials to address the issue. The organization also shares concerns with the Scottish government. SGF stresses that clear guidelines should ensure nicotine pouches are only sold to adults and not marketed to children. Reports of illegal high-strength products with over 100mg of nicotine raise further concerns.

Dutch doctors found high nicotine addiction among teens, affecting over a third of young smokers who wake up needing nicotine. The study surveyed 978 pupils across five secondary schools, highlighting a concerning level of dependency starting at age 13. Researchers stress the need for restrictions on tobacco products and increased awareness among parents. E-cigarettes, widely used by teenagers, pose health risks due to their nicotine content. Night-time vaping can disrupt sleep, impacting mental health and academic performance. An anti-vaping campaign has been launched as cases of severe health issues related to vaping rise in the Netherlands.

A revised law now includes e-cigarettes in tobacco taxation to boost tax collection for financing fiscal policies. The National Assembly expanded the definition of tobacco to cover synthetic nicotine, aiming to generate an estimated 1 trillion won annually. The Ministry of Economy and Finance stated that the revised law encompasses all components of tobacco plants and nicotine. E-cigarettes will face tobacco taxes after a possible two-year grace period. The revision addresses a national tax shortfall and is vital for funding expansionary fiscal policies, as highlighted by the approved 2026 national budget increase to 727.9 trillion won.

China has struggled with high smoking rates despite efforts. In the past decade, the number of smokers decreased but remains at 300 million. Public opinion on smoking has shifted due to campaigns and regulations. China now aims to further reduce smoking rates to 20% by 2030. Challenges include enforcement in public spaces and among businesses. Stricter laws and increased tobacco taxes have shown progress, with 60 million fewer smokers in recent years. To meet future targets, continued public and administrative support is crucial. Failure to enforce regulations may hinder efforts to improve public health and reduce smoking rates in China.

The WHO urges strict regulation and even bans on e-cigarettes and other nicotine alternatives like heated tobacco. Despite successful harm reduction in countries like the UK, the WHO promotes quit helplines and nicotine replacement therapies, which have lower success rates and are inaccessible in low-income areas. The organization's stance goes against evidence that vaping is safer, with countries like the US, UK, and Canada endorsing it. The WHO's strategy risks hindering smokers from switching to safer options, leading to more smoking-related deaths and illnesses. Overlooking the success of harm reduction methods, the WHO's recommendations may perpetuate smoking-related health issues globally.

Nicotine pouches causing controversy in Canada due to harm to children, monopolies, rising black markets, and restricted industry regulations. Pouches, alternative to cigarettes, contain nicotine but lack full health understanding. Despite health risks, popular demand prompted growth. Regulators approved Zonnic by Imperial Tobacco as a nicotine replacement therapy. With minimal existing restrictions, critics pushed for tighter laws to protect youth. In 2024, Health Canada began stringent regulations, limiting sales to pharmacies and mint flavor only. While criticized for monopoly control, government action sought to limit accessibility but did not ban sales to minors. Pharmaceutical industry is scrutinized less for harmful products compared to tobacco industry.