Stories

Public health’s war on nicotine has spiraled into hysteria—untethered from science and reason. In this hard-hitting GFN Interviews, addiction specialist Dr. Garrett McGovern exposes how ideology, fear, and institutional ego are driving the misinformation crisis around vaping and safer nicotine products—and why it’s time to bring smoking harms back to the center of the debate.

Over 1,200 health leaders urge swift passage of the tobacco and vapes bill in the UK parliament to protect future generations. The bill aims to ban tobacco sales to those born after 2009 and regulate e-cigarette packaging and marketing. Advocates emphasize the urgency of the legislation in preventing deadly addictions and saving lives. Tobacco groups oppose the bill, seeking support to weaken it. Various proposals, including delaying a ban on heated tobacco, have sparked controversy. Survey results show public support for alternative approaches to tobacco sales, such as maintaining the legal age at 18 or raising it to 21.

Cyprus teens are vaping heavily with 11% of 16-year-olds using e-cigarettes daily, marking one of Europe's highest rates. Cannabis remains the top illegal substance, while cocaine is on the rise, and offline gambling is popular. Alcohol use has slightly decreased, especially among boys, but binge drinking is up among girls. The survey also reveals that students find it easy to access cannabis and highlights the prevalence of hookah smoking. The study, conducted by the Cyprus Addiction Treatment Authority, KENTHEA, and the Ministry of Education, monitors youth behaviors since 1995, shedding light on evolving trends and concerns.

Interview with Mark Murphy (Senior Policy Manager with the Irish Heart Foundation) and Dr Garrett McGovern (Medical Director and Addiction Specialist at the Priority Medical Clinic) on RTÉ Radio — discussing the recent major tax hike on e-cigarettes in Ireland and its public health implications.

Déjà vu in Washington. With Donald J. Trump back in the White House, public health officials, regulators, and anti-vaping activists have renewed their war on vaping — and this time, they may succeed. The FDA’s crackdown on nicotine vapes is intensifying, thousands of vape shops have closed, and vaping advocacy is struggling to survive. But déjà vu cuts both ways. The movement that once shook Washington with the “We Vape, We Vote” uprising is surging back with one mission: freedom from FDA control. At the center of this renewed fight is a familiar warrior: Tristan Thompson, Board President of the United Vapers Alliance and Head of The Vaping Legion.

The article criticizes the World Health Organization’s upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, describing it as a secretive and extreme anti-smoking event. It claims that government-funded “anti-nicotine zealots” meet to create harsh tobacco control measures. Among the proposed ideas are bans on cigarette filters and smoking in private homes, which the author calls excessive and unreasonable forms of prohibition.

The passage argues that the best way to achieve the goals of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is to make nicotine use safer by shifting from smoking to low-risk, smoke-free nicotine products. Despite years of tobacco control, over a billion people still use nicotine, and millions die annually from smoking. Since nicotine use is likely to continue, the focus should be on reducing smoking through tobacco harm reduction — encouraging the use of safer alternatives rather than trying to eliminate nicotine entirely.

Scotland's smoking rates have plateaued, raising concerns about NHS cessation service funding transparency. While 14% of Scots still smoke, funding for cessation services has decreased. ASH Scotland urges the government to reveal spending details to drive progress in achieving a tobacco-free Scotland by 2034. Quit attempts with NHS support slightly increased, but most boards miss cessation targets. Efforts include promoting services in deprived areas, where smoking rates are highest. The Public Health Minister emphasizes the benefits of quitting and urges people to utilize free support. Collaboration with NHS and pharmacists aims to aid smokers in achieving a tobacco-free Scotland by 2034.

The article criticizes British Columbia’s new Bill 24, introduced by Attorney General Niki Sharma, which allows the government to fine and sue vaping vendors for health damages. The author argues that vaping is not a public health problem but rather a solution to smoking-related harm. They claim the bill will only stigmatize vaping and push the industry underground. The writer believes laws should focus on protecting children from nicotine addiction while allowing adults to make their own choices.

The text highlights the deceptive marketing tactics of vaping companies, particularly targeting children with appealing flavors. Vaping is shown to be harmful, with high nicotine levels and toxic chemicals inhaled, leading to addiction and health issues. Parents are urged to recognize the dangers and take action, while the government is called upon to implement stricter regulations on marketing, flavors, and misinformation about vaping. It is emphasized that prevention programs in schools are crucial to educate teenagers on the risks of vaping. Urgent measures are needed to address the increasing trend of teenage vaping and promote healthier socialization alternatives.