Stories

A survey of 102 Labour MPs in the UK reveals that nearly half consider the proposed cigarettes and vapes ban their lowest priority. Despite PM Keir Starmer's announcement of a ban on smoking in public spaces, only four MPs ranked it among their top three priorities. Instead, Labour MPs prioritize the Great British Energy Bill, Employment Rights Bill, and Crime and Policing Bill. Concerns arise over potential vaping bans following outdoor smoking restrictions. The survey results come ahead of the Labour Party's annual conference in Liverpool, where internal debates over legislative priorities may unfold.

Sometimes, bad policy can be good politics in the short term, but it can lead to challenges for future governments. The National party's proposal to ban vaping devices used by adults to address youth vaping is considered poor policy that will backfire politically in 2026. The Ministry of Health's analysis highlighted flaws in the ban, warning about unintended consequences, such as hindering smoking cessation efforts and creating an illicit market. The broader ban may impact adult smokers using vaping as a harm-reduction tool. This decision could turn into a political liability for National, especially in light of reversing previous legislation aimed at reducing smoking rates.

Australian researchers released a study claiming a link between vaping and smoking initiation in young people. However, the study's findings lack evidence of causation and ignore important risk factors. Contrary to the study's claims, youth smoking rates have decreased with the rise of vaping. Other studies with more comprehensive risk factor analysis have shown no direct link between vaping and smoking. The study's definition of "smokers" is misleading, as most youth who try smoking do not develop a regular habit. The study's alarmist conclusions may lead to harmful vaping regulations. Evidence-based policies are crucial to address youth smoking accurately.

Skip Murray, an advocate for safer nicotine products, shared her journey from opening a vape shop to becoming an advocate, focusing on neurodiverse users. She found solace in nicotine due to sensory issues and trauma, transitioning from smoking to vaping with her son. Despite her shop closing due to FDA regulations and misinformation, she remains dedicated to helping smokers quit. Murray aims to combat tobacco harm reduction misinformation, advocating for factual discussions. Despite challenges, she focuses on aiding those in need, emphasizing the importance of balancing prevention and cessation efforts, aiming to end the suffering caused by smoking. Murray's resilient advocacy work highlights the need for accurate information and support in tobacco harm reduction.

Research from the University of East Anglia shows that providing free e-cigarette starter packs to smokers in hospitals helped 1 in 4 quit. Over 50% of participants reduced or quit smoking 6 months later. Dr. Ward highlights the importance of personal motivation, support, and satisfaction with vaping in quitting. The study involved 1,010 daily smokers, with 24 participants providing feedback. Results suggest various quitting pathways exist, with some quitting without long-term vaping and others needing it to prevent relapse. The research emphasizes the effectiveness of opportunistic e-cigarette interventions but notes that not everyone sees vapes as medical treatments.

E-cigarettes remain the tobacco product most used by children in the United States, but their use has declined significantly, according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC says that smoking e-cigarettes, or vapes, has declined among middle and high school students. E-cigarette use has gone from 2.13 million students in 2023, to 1.63 million in 2024. Vaping still remains a significant issue, with 2.5 percent of middle schoolers reporting that they use e-cigarettes, meaning that children as young as 11 years old are starting to use nicotine products.

Social workers can play a crucial role in reducing smoking rates among vulnerable groups, offering support for tobacco harm reduction. The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction emphasizes the importance of training social workers to address smoking issues and provide cessation support. By integrating harm reduction strategies and brief interventions, social workers can empower clients to make positive changes for their health. However, amidst challenging workloads, additional support, resources, and training are needed. Ultimately, promoting tobacco harm reduction aligns with the goals and motivations of many in the social work profession and can have a significant impact on public health.

In today's GFN Voices episode, Kurt Yeo explore the crucial relationship between economics, health, and tobacco harm reduction. With a focus on South Africa, we delve into the burden tobacco places on public health, the economic challenges it creates, and how harm reduction strategies could be the key to a healthier future.

The CDC released early findings from the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey focusing on e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. E-cigarette use among U.S. middle and high school students hit record lows, with only 5.9% currently using them, down significantly from 2019. Nicotine pouch use is also low, with 1.8% of students reporting current use in 2024. Concerns over youth safety in schools, like weapon threats, are more pressing than nicotine product use. The data show a need for expedited approval of harm reduction products by federal regulators, considering the potential benefits for adults using these products for smoking cessation.

New rules stopping convenience stores from selling nicotine pouches have left many Canadians scrambling to find the product. On August 28, the federal government stopped the sale of nicotine pouches in convenience stores and banned flavours. They can only be sold behind the counter in pharmacies. Users have found it difficult to find the nicotine pouches, as many pharmacies do not have them in stock yet. In Calgary, smokers who use the pouches to quit are having trouble finding them.