Stories

New research shows the UK’s vape-based quit strategy is helping thousands stop smoking—yet policymakers appear increasingly willing to restrict it.

Youth vaping in the United States continued to decline in 2025, while smoking among teenagers remained close to historic lows, according to new analysis of the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS).

The data shows that overall tobacco and nicotine product use among middle and high school students has fallen sharply compared with previous years, continuing a longer-term downward trend.

Registration is now open for the 13th annual Global Forum on Nicotine (GFN 2026), taking place from Wednesday 3 to Friday 5 June at The Warsaw Presidential Hotel in Warsaw, Poland. Themed “Prohibition and Public Health”, this year’s event will examine a deep structural contradiction emerging between science and global public health policy.

Europe's tobacco taxation framework is being reformed for the first time in over a decade, and the stakes are higher than the technical language of excise directives might suggest. Done well, the revision modernises a law that has not kept pace with the market. Done badly, it pushes consumers toward the black market, hollows out legitimate industry and costs member states the revenue they were trying to protect.

Lords debated the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in the House of Lords on the first day of Report stage – with Action on Smoking and Health calling it “a significant moment for public health”.

The Irish government has ramped up its hostility towards safer nicotine products by approving new legislation to further tighten restrictions on vapes and nicotine pouches. Though the announcement is confusingly worded, the bill threatens to ban vape flavors.

What tobacco smoking cessation rates does psilocybin, an experimental treatment, yield compared with nicotine patch, an established treatment, with individuals in both groups receiving standardized cognitive behavioral therapy? In a randomized clinical trial, 42 participants randomized to receive psilocybin had more than 6 times greater odds of prolonged smoking abstinence 6 months after treatment than 40 participants who received the nicotine patch. The results suggest that psilocybin holds potential in the treatment of tobacco use disorder and, along with other psychedelics, should be investigated further for tobacco and other substance use disorders.

Excise taxes on unhealthy products like alcohol, tobacco, and sugar aim to delay health issues, generate revenue, and promote healthier behavior, especially in low-income countries. These taxes face challenges due to emerging products like e-cigarettes, requiring policymakers to adapt taxation strategies. Harm-based taxation, reflecting health risks, encourages the consumption of less harmful alternatives. This approach has shown success in reducing smoking rates in countries like New Zealand. However, tax misalignments in some regions sustain consumption of dangerous products. International cooperation is crucial to prevent tax evasion and ensure consistent health-based taxation. Aligning tax rates with harm levels can enhance public health and fiscal stability globally.

States are considering excise tax increases on tobacco products to generate revenue, with a focus on new products like nicotine pouches. Lawmakers in 20 states are proposing higher taxes on cigarettes and vaping products to address budget shortfalls. Critics argue that such taxes can lead to illegal tobacco sales and economic distortions. Data shows a decline in youth tobacco and nicotine usage, supporting the argument against new taxes. The regressive nature of excise taxes is highlighted, with lower-income individuals affected more. As states continue to deliberate on tax hikes, there are concerns about the impact on retailers and the availability of FDA-approved alternatives for adult consumers.

Conservative MP Jivani promoted the unapproved nicotine product Zyn on a campus tour, with attendees flaunting their canisters at a Vancouver event. B.C. MLA Bhangu endorsed Zyn to curb smoking, while politicians like Smith and Nally advocate for easier access to nicotine pouches. These pouches, marketed as safer alternatives, deliver nicotine through the gums and are popular among young adults. However, their health impacts remain uncertain, with limited research on long-term effects and effectiveness in quitting smoking. Health Canada restricts sales of Zonnic, leading to criticism from conservatives who view it as excessive regulation. Despite calls for relaxed rules, Health Canada defends its measures to deter youth usage.