Stories

In this episode Will Godfrey highlights the interconnected links between Vietnam's recent vape ban and the influence of Bloomberg-funded entities, and how the well-funded opposition to tobacco harm reduction influences vape restrictions across the globe.

Smoking rates in Alaska have steadily declined over the past decades, according to a new report from the state's Department of Health. Adult smoking dropped from 28% in the 1990s to 16% in 2023, with significant decreases also among Alaska Native adults. Despite this progress, about one in four adults still used tobacco or nicotine products in 2023. Among youth, both cigarette and e-cigarette use have also fallen, showing the success of public health campaigns.

British American Tobacco (M) Bhd will discontinue its VUSE e-cigarette range in Malaysia by the third quarter of 2025 to comply with new regulations under Act 852, effective from Oct 1, 2025. The company anticipates minimal financial impact for the year ending Dec 31, 2025. BAT will assess its VUSE products commercially and prioritize combustible value growth while managing operational risks.

A report reveals that distributing free vapes in Calderdale, UK, increased successful quit rates from 64% to 75%. Yorkshire Cancer Research funded the trial, showing vapes as effective in aiding cessation. Yorkshire Smokefree Calderdale now offers vape kits alongside other support services. Of the 1,110 participants, 77% using vapes or NRT quit successfully after four weeks. Vapes were preferred over other methods, especially by women and those aged 55-59, and proved cost-effective. The trial positively impacted disadvantaged communities, with 82% finding the offer of a vape device encouraging. Similar schemes in the UK have also led to successful vaping transitions among smokers.

A Conservative government plans to allow smokers to purchase nicotine pouches at corner stores and gas stations, overturning the Liberal policy of restricting sales to pharmacies under the Food and Drugs Act. The Conservatives emphasize freedom of choice for adults and access to less harmful alternatives for those trying to quit smoking. Currently, Health Canada has licensed Zonnic as a nicotine pouch for smoking cessation.

Dr. Sarah Jackson discussed new research showing that the UK government's plan to ban disposable vapes has slowed the rise in vaping, especially among young adults. The study found two main changes since the January 2024 announcement: the growth in vaping rates has stalled, and more vapers are switching to reusable devices. Dr. Jackson noted that the popularity of disposables had driven a sharp increase in youth vaping since 2021, but the new policy appears to be influencing behavior even before taking effect.

The Riigikogu passed a law enforcing an EU directive banning flavored heated tobacco products next year to deter smoking, especially among the youth. Vaping products with high nicotine content and flavors remain exempt. Legislators are considering future regulations on vaping. A school principal supports the ban on heated tobacco products due to teenage vaping. Studies show an increase in youth vaping, with strong support for an e-cigarette ban. Vaping is popular among teens, posing health risks and challenges for enforcement. Legislation banning flavored e-cigarettes is in place. Despite concerns, enforcement and regulations on vaping remain a future consideration.

Hong Kong plans to ban e-cigarettes and smoking in public places by April 2026. The Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 introduces fines of HK$3,000 for violators. The bill also includes expanding no-smoking areas and doubling fines for smoking violations. Flavoured tobacco sales will be phased out by the second quarter of 2027. Stricter measures on illegal cigarettes include labeling requirements for every pack sold. The proposal aims to deter smoking among youth. Additionally, providing smoking products to minors will result in fines up to HK$25,000. The government's goal is to enhance public health and reduce smoking prevalence.

This study analyzed U.S. data to assess transitions in tobacco use related to ENDS (e-cigarettes). While 2.1 million people made beneficial transitions from combustible tobacco to ENDS or quit with ENDS support, 4.6 million made harmful transitions, including nonusers starting ENDS or ENDS users switching to combustible tobacco. Overall, harmful transitions outnumbered beneficial ones by more than 2 to 1. However, with proper regulation, ENDS could provide net public health benefits.

The British Medical Journal (BMJ) has revealed that outdoor advertising companies are using tactics similar to those of the tobacco industry to oppose local councils’ attempts to ban junk food ads on bus shelters and billboards. An investigation by Sophie Borland, a former Daily Mail health editor, found that these companies have been lobbying against policies that could harm their business. Borland sent Freedom of Information requests to 52 of England’s 317 local authorities and uncovered evidence of attempts by the advertising industry to influence policy in eight of them. Sources suggest that the actual number could be even higher.