Stories

The European Commission's Safe Hearts Plan aims to protect youth from nicotine harms. Harmonizing regulations on online sales can prevent minors' access. Different EU countries have varying rules on nicotine products, leading to price and availability differences. A ban on cross-border online sales of nicotine products is crucial to uphold tobacco policy goals, prevent illicit trade, secure tax revenues, and support compliant domestic businesses. Norway's upcoming ban sets an example for the EU to follow in the revised Tobacco Products Directive. By implementing this ban, the EU can better protect public health and prevent underage sales effectively.

When e-cigarettes first appeared, many public health professionals saw them as a potential tool to help people who smoke transition away from combustible cigarettes to a less harmful source of nicotine. While this approach worked for some individuals, aggressive and risky marketing strategies contributed to a surge in vaping among young people. Now, a new effort from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that the agency may be shifting its harm-reduction strategy toward another product: nicotine pouches.

Vaping has surpassed smoking in the UK, with concerns rising about its addictive nature. While less harmful than smoking due to lack of combustion, vaping still poses risks, especially for young people. Quitting vaping involves addressing both physical and behavioral components of addiction, with support options such as text messages, medications, and therapy showing promise. To quit successfully, it's crucial to identify triggers, reduce gradually, set limits, consider lower nicotine products, change flavors, manage cravings, seek professional help, and build a support system. For young people, avoiding vaping altogether is advised, with understanding and tailored support essential for cessation.

The rising use of cannabis vapes, containing THC, in Bradford poses a threat to youth. Despite being illegal for recreational use, these products were found on sale in the area. A recent raid discovered vapes with pure cannabis at a local off-licence. Concerns were raised about youths being hospitalized due to vaping, as they find it appealing for being odorless and discreet. Some vapes even contained Spice. Authorities discussed the issue during a licensing meeting and emphasized the dangers, including potential overdoses. A shop linked to such activities had its alcohol license revoked. Drug charity Forward Leeds warned about the risks of consuming THC through vaping.

Vietnam has banned e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products to safeguard public health, imposing fines on users and property owners. The Ministry of Health warns of health risks like addiction, cancer, and respiratory issues. Enforced from December 31, 2025, violations can lead to fines between VND 3-10 million. Vietnam joins five other Southeast Asian countries in outlawing these products, supported by the World Health Organization. Similar measures were also taken by Laos in 2021. The move aims to curb rising usage, especially among youth, with health concerns leading to over 1,200 hospitalizations in 2023.

Nicotine pouches such as Zyn are growing in popularity among students and young professionals, who claim they help improve concentration. Interest in these products is also driving strong investor returns, with tobacco companies like British American Tobacco outperforming even major tech stocks over the past year. As global smoking rates have fallen significantly since the early 2000s, major tobacco firms are seeking growth beyond traditional cigarettes. Products like nicotine pouches, which generate billions in revenue, are becoming a key part of that strategy. This shift highlights how Big Tobacco is adapting to changing consumer habits and public health pressures.

Banja Luka has implemented a strict smoking ban in public spaces with fines up to 6.000 marks. The law aims to reduce secondhand smoke exposure and protect health. Supporters highlight health benefits and tourism appeal, while opponents argue it infringes on individual rights and hurts businesses. The law covers traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and tobacco products, with penalties for non-compliance. The ban aligns with European clean air directives and aims to curb smoking-related diseases. Public opinion is divided, but the majority supports the new regulations. Republika Srpska joins the Federation of BiH in becoming smoke-free, with RS enforcing stricter penalties than the Federation.

Smoking and vaping are public health challenges. Despite anti-smoking efforts in the US, new cigarette users are rising, partly due to celebrities' influence. Vapes were meant to help smokers but turned into a new epidemic with counterfeit products. Nicotine pouches offer a tobacco-free alternative, showing promise. The US should learn from the UK's stricter regulations, raising the legal age for tobacco and proposing a ban on nicotine products for youth. Industry and government collaboration is crucial to prevent youth nicotine use. The focus should be on aiding adult smokers and avoiding creating a new generation of nicotine users. Achieving a tobacco-free world is possible.

As vaping becomes more popular, governments see it as a new source of tax revenue. Because many vapers are current or former smokers, money spent on e-cigarettes often replaces spending on traditional tobacco, reducing tobacco tax income. Governments have long relied on tobacco taxes and want to recover this lost revenue. Whether vaping should be taxed like tobacco is less important to policymakers than the financial impact. Since vaping resembles smoking and faces public health criticism, politicians find it easy to justify taxing it, often using debatable health arguments.

A survey revealed 1 in 8 teenagers aged 14-17 have used nicotine pouches, raising concerns about addiction. Although pouches don’t increase cancer risk, there are worries about nicotine dependence and oral health issues. Most teens obtain them from friends or stores without age restrictions. The UK plans to tighten regulations on sales to minors and decrease appeal through packaging and flavors. Notable brands include Velo, Nordic Spirit, and Zyn, leading to increased warnings from health experts about nicotine's heart and vascular toxicity. While some view pouches as less harmful than cigarettes or vapes, regulations aim to prevent youth addiction. The tobacco and vapes bill will address underage sales to safeguard public health.