Stories

In this long-form conversation, I sit down with Cliff Douglas, former Vice President for Tobacco Control at the American Cancer Society, to talk about the future of vaping, nicotine, and public health. Cliff brings decades of experience in science, policy, and harm reduction. From advising the U.S. Surgeon General to shaping public narratives around tobacco control, his work has helped push the conversation forward—toward facts, compassion, and real solutions.

A report commissioned by the UK government highlights that drug-related law enforcement often increases violence rather than reducing it, contradicting current policies. The findings emphasize the need for a shift in drug enforcement strategies to consider the risk of exacerbating violence, especially linked to disrupting trafficking groups. Despite previous warnings from experts and former law enforcement officials, the report urges policymakers to take immediate action. Examples from a recent think tank report illustrate how enforcement actions can worsen violence and societal disruption dynamics without impacting drug markets in the long term, implying a need for a reevaluation of drug policy approaches.

The FDA’s anti-vaping framework is undergoing major changes, including mass layoffs, office closures, and the removal of Brian King as head of the Center for Tobacco Products. Tony Abboud of the Vapor Technology Association joins RegWatch to discuss the broken PMTA process, recent legal rulings, and how misinformation has influenced nicotine policy. The episode also highlights the irony of banning flavored vapes while approving new cigarettes—and questions whether Trump is finally acting on his promise to support vaping.

Imperial Tobacco Canada is urging Health Canada to implement evidence-based regulations for Nicotine Replacement Therapy, warning that strict rules may hinder public health by curtailing access to effective products. In response to Health Canada's Draft Guidance on Nicotine Replacement Therapy Dosage Forms, ITCAN criticized the criteria for approving new NRT products as flawed. The company argues that the guidance's requirement for new NRTs to prevent misuse by non-smokers is unrealistic and could impede innovation, pushing consumers towards illicit markets.

Tobacco harm reduction advocates combat misinformation on safer nicotine products. A free online course, "Understanding Tobacco Harm Reduction," by Knowledge-Action-Change aims to educate on reduced-risk options. The course, developed with experts, addresses myths and critiques, requiring only a desire to reduce harm. With global interest, over 1,000 had enrolled, showing a need for accurate information dissemination. This initiative is part of a response to counter widespread misinformation. By empowering individuals to influence others, the course seeks to tackle misconceptions on tobacco harm reduction, ultimately aiming to save lives and improve global health.

Low-income individuals in Australia are disproportionately affected by smoking, with more smokers and higher daily cigarette consumption. The high cost of cigarettes, driven by a 282% tax increase since 2013, has led to a thriving black market, resulting in a significant loss of government revenue. Despite efforts to curb illegal sales, the problem persists, similar to drug enforcement challenges. Advocate for lower cigarette taxes to address the issue face opposition from health officials. Transitioning to safer alternatives like vaping could be a solution, as seen in New Zealand. The current Australian government's stringent tobacco policies disproportionately harm the less privileged, potentially impacting their electoral support.

This paper discusses the lack of research on tobacco supply chains and industry practices, focusing on Lebanon's tobacco market. It reveals issues of monopolization, ineffective policies, and unsustainable cultivation practices. Recommendations include dissolving the state-owned monopoly, implementing specific taxes, enforcing antitrust laws, and reforming cultivation practices for a more competitive and sustainable market.

Researchers at Duke School of Medicine found artificial sweeteners in popular nicotine pouch brands like Zyn, VELO, and On! through chemical analysis. The study aims to emphasize the need for stricter regulations on nicotine pouches for youth. The research suggests that sweeteners are added to mask bitter flavors, not to target young consumers. The paper critiques the assumption that sweetness attracts younger users. Removing sweeteners could deter both youth and adults from using nicotine pouches. Overall, the controversy around sweeteners in nicotine pouches highlights a misunderstanding of consumer preferences and marketing strategies.

Tobacco harm reduction advocates combat misinformation on safer nicotine products. Knowledge-Action-Change (KAC) offers a free online course called "Understanding Tobacco Harm Reduction" to dispel myths and promote quitting tobacco. The course, supported by experts, aims to educate professionals and individuals globally. With over 1,000 registrations, it addresses misconceptions about nicotine and smoking-related diseases. KAC's initiative is part of a broader effort to address global health challenges. Despite widespread misinformation, this course hopes to empower participants to spread accurate information and influence others positively. Collaboration with organizations like The Influence Foundation and Global Action to End Smoking enhances its impact.

In Africa, limited access to safer nicotine alternatives like vaping devices persists due to bans, high prices, and unavailability, in contrast to other regions embracing harm reduction. Global tobacco companies prioritize Western markets, allocating less than 5% of investments to Africa, where regulations often mirror outdated prohibition-style policies, hindering access and affordability. The absence of local production facilities results in heavy import costs, making products like nicotine pouches and vapes expensive for the average smoker. Lack of regulatory clarity exacerbates the situation, pushing products into informal markets. To reduce tobacco-related deaths, policymakers and the private sector must prioritize improving accessibility and affordability of harm reduction products in Africa.