Stories

The EU Council's draft compromise on the Tobacco Excise Directive lacks scientific basis, with tax rates on nicotine products adjusted to please all member states rather than prioritize public health. Changes made without technical justification include lowering rates for some products and raising them for e-liquids. World Vapers' Alliance criticizes the political deal-making approach, urging member states to reject compromises that prioritize tax revenue over health. Transparency and evidence-based decisions are emphasized for a fair taxation framework.

A Texas court has ruled that nicotine pouches cannot automatically be treated the same as traditional smokeless tobacco products under existing state law. The decision centres on how these products are legally defined, particularly as nicotine pouches contain no tobacco leaf despite delivering nicotine. The ruling could have broader implications for taxation, regulation and how alternative nicotine products are classified across the United States. Critics of stricter regulation argue that treating tobacco-free nicotine products identically to cigarettes or chewing tobacco ignores important differences in risk profiles. The case reflects the growing legal and policy debate over how newer nicotine alternatives should fit within frameworks originally designed for combustible or traditional tobacco products.

Heavy taxation and strict regulation of products often lead to unintended consequences, including the growth of black markets and illicit trade. Historical examples, such as alcohol prohibition in the United States, show this pattern clearly. A recent KPMG report highlights similar issues in Latin America and Canada, where high tobacco taxes and restrictive policies have contributed to increased smuggling and criminal activity. The argument suggests that governments should reconsider heavy-handed approaches and instead adopt more balanced, consumer-focused regulation.

European Commissioner for Health Olivér Várhelyi faced scepticism in a dialogue with MEPs, particularly concerning the EU budget allocation for health and tobacco product regulations. Despite defending the proposed budget and his stance on taxation of tobacco alternatives, Várhelyi's performance is under scrutiny, compounded by Hungary's political shifts. The debate on healthcare funding revealed concerns about the budget's adequacy, with differing opinions on tobacco regulation's impact. Várhelyi's position is further challenged by industry experts' conflicting views on the harm levels of alternative nicotine products. The political landscape, including Péter Magyar's election win in Hungary, raises uncertainties about Várhelyi's future as a European Commissioner.

Today we explore the rise of harm reduction across the Middle East and North Africa through the story of MENAHRA and the activists, healthcare workers, and organizations fighting stigma, HIV, and outdated drug policies. In regions where addiction and public health issues are often heavily stigmatized, harm reduction became more than healthcare — it became a movement for human rights and survival.

Europe's Health Commissioner Várhelyi faces criticism for misinformation on smoke-free nicotine products, despite evidence supporting their lower health risks. Leading scientists rebuke his claims equating these products with cigarettes. Sweden's success in reducing smoking with safer alternatives like snus is highlighted. A group of 23 European scientists, including renowned experts, warns the European Commission about the misleading statements. Delon Human emphasizes the importance of policies based on evidence to help smokers switch to safer options and save lives.

World Health Organisation reports smoking claims 7 million lives yearly. Smokers turn to vaping for health reasons, but WHO warns of 100 million e-cigarette users globally, fueling nicotine addiction. Recent study links vaping to cancer, raising concerns if it's as harmful as smoking. Expert opinion from Professor Lion Shahab questions vaping's safety compared to smoking.

Canada's health minister, Marjorie Michel, is considering banning vaping flavors to combat the country's high youth vaping rate. Despite pressure to act, Michel is still reviewing the decision. Research suggests flavor bans reduce youth vaping without increasing smoking rates. While vaping can help adult smokers quit, it poses risks, and vaping among Canadian youth is a concern. The vaping industry resists restrictions citing an illicit market. Provinces like Nova Scotia and Quebec have implemented flavor bans, proving effective in reducing youth vaping. Health experts warn of a growing nicotine addiction crisis among young Canadians due to appealing flavors. Michel collaborates with provinces to address the issue, highlighting the need for a comprehensive national ban.

I responded to the Department of Health and Social Care consultation on Smoke-free, heated tobacco-free and vape-free places in England (closed 8 May 2026).

The short version is that the Department has failed to make a credible case for central government intervention through legislation. The government ignored the superior alternative option of letting the owners and managers of properties, including local authorities, and education and healthcare providers, decide policy based on their specific and evolving circumstances. The key policy question is not what the policy should be in any particular place, but who should decide.

Belgium has approved banning flavored vaping products, except tobacco and unflavored, by September 2028 to combat youth vaping. Minister Vandenbroucke criticized the industry for targeting young people. The move aligns with Dutch regulations, aiming to reduce vaping rates. Critics fear the ban may push adult vapers to smoking or the black market. Research suggests flavored e-cigarettes help smokers quit. Similar debates are ongoing in the UK and the US, where flavor restrictions may lead to increased cigarette sales, offsetting vaping reductions. Critics argue for a balanced approach to vaping regulations to preserve harm reduction benefits.