Stories

A coalition in Washington is advocating to ban flavored nicotine vapes, aiming to reduce youth addiction. Led by Tobacco-Free Kids, the group plans to introduce legislation with the support of lawmakers in 2024. The campaign "Flavors Hook Kids Washington" seeks to prohibit all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. Despite a decrease in youth vaping, concerns about increasing cigarette smoking arise from potential flavor bans. Advocates argue for protecting children from addiction and harmful marketing tactics, especially targeting vulnerable communities. Opponents mention the potential negative impact on smoking cessation efforts and advocate for considering all facts before implementing a ban.

From October 1, vapes will be sold over the counter in Australian pharmacies to adults, and to those under 18 with a prescription, in line with new vaping laws. While critics argue this could increase vaping access, proponents emphasize the importance of restricting sales to adults using vapes for smoking cessation. Concerns about potential health risks and impact on youth addiction have been raised by experts, with the Pharmacy Guild opposing the change. The debate includes discussions on how pharmacies will manage counseling and age verification.

Three large Chinese vape companies are researching nicotine-like chemicals they think could serve as a substitute for nicotine in products like vapes, company officials said, but the health implications may still need "years" of investigation. One such chemical, 6-methyl nicotine, is made in a lab, has a similar chemical structure to nicotine and is already used in some vapes in the United States. But regulators and researchers have warned it may be more potent and addictive than nicotine itself.

Snus, a smokeless nicotine product, is discreet and popular as a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. In the UK, tobacco-based snus is illegal, but non-tobacco nicotine pouches are legal. The industry, worth £250 million, is rapidly growing. Initially popularized by French diplomat Jean Nicot in the 16th century, snus became a favored nicotine source in Sweden. Zyn, the leading nicotine pouch brand, offers various flavors and has gained political attention in the US. While health risks remain uncertain, some non-tobacco pouches contain cancer-causing substances. Despite personal hesitations, the writer considers trying snus over cigarettes or vaping due to its subtlety and potential benefits.

Despite reluctance, acknowledgment was given to Trump for supporting flavored vaping. Trump's compromise in 2019 saved flavored vaping, benefitting smokers who switch to vape, despite critics questioning his motives. The decline in youth vaping can be attributed to various factors including awareness campaigns and policy changes. Democrats' push for flavor bans may inadvertently increase smoking rates and illicit markets. Attention to vaping issues is essential due to its impact on public health. The next president will face challenges in vaping policy, with potential influence on FDA decisions. Addressing tobacco harm reduction is crucial for both parties to consider, impacting millions of adult vapers and potentially preventing premature deaths.

The EU Council's updated recommendation on smoke-free environments includes vaping aerosol in legislation, extending rules to outdoor areas frequented by children and patients. Despite objections from groups like ETHRA and MEP Liese, the Commission drew on outdated evidence in this decision. While the recommendation is not binding, national governments can choose to implement it. Concerns center on potential misinformation about vaping risks, contrasting with known smoking dangers. The call is for sensible policy-making at the national level, considering a broader perspective beyond the recommendation's scope.

Glimmers of good news despite the general drift towards harsher restrictions for tobacco harm reduction.

The slate of cannabis ballot referendums this November is headlined by Florida, the third-most-populous U.S. state, where voters will decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana through ballot measure Amendment 3. A victory in Florida would be one of the top legalization events in recent U.S. cannabis history, trailing only California’s successful referendum in 2016, New York’s Legislature approving adult use in 2021 and, most recently, President Joe Biden’s administration seeking to reschedule marijuana.

Minister Casey Costello, responsible for smoking policies, spoke at a health forum emphasizing success in reducing smoking rates through vaping, especially among Maori women and youth. She aims to target hardcore smokers aged 45-64 for cessation. Costello supports harm reduction tools like vaping and nicotine patches to achieve Smokefree 2025. Despite criticism for delaying smokefree legislation and tax cuts on heated tobacco, she denied ties with the tobacco industry. Costello discussed combatting the illicit tobacco market in South Auckland.

An Indonesian health official suggests raising cigarette taxes to reduce consumption due to their affordability and availability. Indonesia has a high smoking rate with nearly 38% of its 270 million inhabitants smoking, ranking 13th globally in consumption. Cigarettes cause 8 million deaths annually, with 7 million from active smoking and 1.2 million from passive smoking. This proposal aims to curb health issues related to smoking.