Stories

Alberta Premier is challenging Ottawa's restrictions on nicotine pouches, claiming they hinder smoking cessation efforts and increase youth access. The rules allow sales only at pharmacies, with one approved brand. Alberta argues for equal retail access and criticizes the regulations' impact on the black market and youth exposure. Proposing a shift to a more accessible model for smoking cessation products, they aim to align with federal policies. Concerns include unregulated online sales to minors and the need for a balanced approach to reduce youth appeal.

The Fargo Cass Board of Health seeks a ban on flavored nicotine products to tackle youth vaping, causing concern among businesses like Sports Vape. The ban proposal, aiming to curb underage use, is criticized for misrepresenting the marketing targeting children. It's argued that banning flavors won't deter online purchases or address the root issues. The ban could boost e-commerce and hurt local businesses. While efforts to reduce youth nicotine use are crucial, an abrupt industry shutdown risks job losses and economic strain. A petition opposes the ban, urging city commissioners to reconsider. Zach Johnson owns Sports Vape in Fargo.

A study exposed mice to vape aerosol residue on fabrics in a lab setting, resulting in increased blood clotting markers and altered inflammatory responses. While warning about potential cardiovascular risks from “third-hand” exposure, the study's extreme conditions differ vastly from real-life scenarios. The mice were exposed intensively to vape residue, unlike typical human exposure, raising doubts about the findings' applicability to everyday settings. Despite notable biological changes in mice, the study's limitations prevent direct translation to human risks. Researchers emphasized that the study's controlled conditions may not accurately reflect the risks of normal exposure to third-hand vaping residue in homes.

Florida medical cannabis dispensaries have sold around 3 billion mg of THC and close to 1 million ounces of smokable cannabis by February 20, 2026, per the Office of Medical Marijuana Use. Weekly sales have ranged from 366 million to 431 million mg of THC and over 130,000 ounces of smokable marijuana. With 932,890 active patients, Florida is poised to exceed 5 billion mg of THC sales soon, solidifying its status as a leading medical marijuana program in the U.S. The market remains strong with sales continuing to rise steadily.

The WHO predicts the highest tobacco use rates by 2030 in Europe due to women and youth. Despite various countries regulating tobacco products and advertising, the region leads in per capita tobacco use. The tobacco industry targets young people with flavored products and social media marketing. Around 1.1 million people die annually in Europe due to tobacco-related diseases. While some countries like Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands are pushing back by regulating novel products, tobacco control efforts in Europe remain non-uniform, with weak regulations allowing youth tobacco consumption. Despite efforts, only a third of European nations have smoke-free laws, and tobacco prices have decreased in two-thirds of countries.

A complete ban on vapes and e-cigarettes took effect in Uzbekistan on March 1, with severe penalties for violations. The law prohibits production, possession, sale, and import/export of these products, with penalties including fines, corrective labor, or imprisonment up to five years. Reporting violations may exempt individuals from liability. Similar regulations exist in Kazakhstan since June 20, 2024, with criminal consequences for sales, distribution, and import of vaping products. Travelers to Uzbekistan are advised not to bring vapes or e-liquids to avoid legal issues and fines.

Brazil is losing the battle against smoking due its negative stance on safer nicotine alternatives, according to a major new report from Smoke Free Sweeden. The leading international health experts have compared Brazil’s experience and New Zealand to reveal how different policy choices are producing sharply different outcomes. Just over a decade ago, New Zealand had a higher smoking rate than Brazil. Today, its rate is around half Brazil’s.

England is considering a ban on vaping in cars with children to lower exposure to secondhand smoke. This proposal, part of a public consultation, aligns with efforts under a tobacco harm reduction bill. Critics argue against equating vaping with smoking, citing minimal risks from vapor compared to smoke. Advocates stress the importance of recognizing vaping's role in smoking cessation. Enforcement concerns and potential unintended consequences raise doubts about the ban's efficacy. Vaping remains permitted outside certain locations, acknowledging its harm reduction potential. The ban could perpetuate misinformation and harm smokers trying to quit. Public feedback is encouraged to influence the decision before the May 8 consultation deadline.

The governing idea of tobacco control is an irreconcilable conflict between the interests of the tobacco industry and public health. The idea is wrong and dangerous. [This is a substantially updated and expanded version of an article previously published in Tobacco Reporter that is no longer available]

Sweden’s smoke-free success is often credited to snus, but that’s only half the story. While snus appealed to many men looking to quit smoking, for women the smell, taste, and feel left something to be desired. For years, women were left without a viable alternative. That changed with nicotine pouches. Tobacco-free, discreet, and socially acceptable, they became the missing solution. In this GFN Interviews, Carissa Düring explains why nicotine pouches didn’t just complement the Sweden Model, they completed it, delivering the silver bullet public health refuses to acknowledge.