Stories

Iraq’s Ministry of Health plans to implement a nationwide ban on the import, sale, and use of e-cigarettes due to rising health concerns and increased use among youth. Dr. Wasim Kilani announced that a new law, the "Law for Protection from the Harmful Effects of Tobacco," will soon be passed, including penalties and enforcement measures. He noted that one in five Iraqis smokes and that smoking is among the top ten causes of death in the country.

Pharmacy ordering company Pharmx has noted a significant increase in demand for nicotine vapes, with a nearly 500% rise in revenue from vapes in the third quarter compared to the same period last year. Availability of nicotine vapes is highlighted as a driving factor in the surge.

A recent study showed that varenicline, used to help smokers quit, may also assist teens in quitting vaping. In a 12-week trial paired with counseling, 51% of participants on varenicline abstained from vaping, compared to 14% on a placebo. The drug's effectiveness continued post-trial, with a 28% abstinence rate at 24 weeks. Vaping in adolescents can lead to nicotine addiction, impacting brain development. State laws on treating minors vary, posing challenges for underage patients seeking help. Varenicline, binding to nicotine receptors, reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Dr. McGee suggests discussing quitting with parents and considers varenicline as a treatment option for young patients.

Cigarettes are highly addictive and dangerous, contributing to serious health issues like lung cancer and heart disease. Although smoking rates in the U.S. have declined since the mid-20th century, about 29 million Americans still smoke. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S., responsible for around 500,000 deaths annually, including 125,000 from lung cancer. E-cigarettes were created specifically to tackle this public health crisis by providing nicotine to dependent users without the harmful chemicals found in traditional cigarettes.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), established by the WHO in 1965 to investigate cancer causes, has reportedly shifted toward activism over the decades. A recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine, titled "The IARC Perspective on the Effects of Policies on Reducing Alcohol Consumption", advocates for prohibition as an evidence-based measure. However, a disclaimer at the end of the article states that the views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of IARC or the WHO, raising questions about how it can be called an "IARC perspective" at all.

Despite the growing use of safer nicotine being strongly associated with declining smoking rates, there is still systemic opposition to these products from institutions and NGOs - but why is this the case? In this episode Lindsey Stroud joins us to unpack the FDA's reluctance to approve new nicotine products, and the misinformation used to prop up the opposition to THR.

New York City Health Department's press release, allegedly led by Michael Bloomberg, showcases a biased approach against tobacco harm reduction. Equating vaping to the leading cause of death misleads the public. While smoking rates have declined, the city demonizes vaping rather than celebrating its role in smoking cessation. Crackdowns on vaping products prevail, while ignoring the benefits they offer smokers. The city's lawsuit against flavored vapes exemplifies a misguided focus on youth appeal, neglecting adult preferences. Disregarding harm reduction principles, the city's stance on nicotine perpetuates cigarette consumption over safer alternatives. The campaign reflects a lack of access to truthful health information and obstructs progress towards saving lives.

The prevalence of e-cigarette and HTP use is now close to smoking incidence in Malaysia, according to a regional study conducted by Singapore-based consumer insights firm Milieu Insight.

Nicotine pouches, known as "snus," will face tighter regulations in the UK following the distribution of free samples, raising addiction and health concerns. The Scottish Government backs stricter control over these products to limit availability and harm, as discussed in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The legislation aims for a smoke-free generation, addressing new tobacco products like snus. Concerns raised by health experts emphasize the addictive nature and potential health risks of nicotine pouches. The Scottish Government supports incorporating these measures to protect young people from marketing tactics and ensure better control over such products.

Rights4Vapers congratulates the Liberal Party on forming the new federal government in Canada. They urge Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Health Ministers to prioritize harm reduction and Canadians' health with evidence-based nicotine policies. The advocacy group stresses the importance of distinguishing safer nicotine products like vaping devices from traditional cigarettes and establishing a Safer Nicotine Act. They call for the reversal of restrictions on nicotine pouch sales and emphasize the need for updated regulations to support smoking cessation effectively.