Stories

Dr. Altamash Mahmood co-authored the 'Lives Saved' report on Tobacco Harm Reduction in Bangladesh, estimating over 900,000 lives saved in the country and 2.5 million across four nations. The study emphasizes integrating THR strategies into tobacco control for significant benefits. Challenges in Bangladesh include regulation, misinformation, and industry conflicts. Learning from global examples is crucial for effective implementation. India's e-cigarette ban resulted in an illegal market, showing the importance of stakeholder engagement in policy-making. Engaging experts and communities is vital for culturally appropriate and practical policies to save lives from tobacco-related illnesses.

Vapes are popular for their accessibility and perceived lower health risks compared to cigarettes. Marketed with colorful packaging, they are widely available in UK supermarkets and corner shops. Hazel Cheeseman, deputy chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health (Ash), said: “Smoking is still the country’s biggest preventable killer and vaping is one of many tools needed to help smokers quit if we are to create a smokefree country for current as well as future generations.”

Nearly 8 in 10 cannabis consumers in legalized states buy their marijuana from licensed retailers, supporting regulated markets. A poll by NuggMD shows 77% purchase from legal stores, with 65% buying exclusively there. In California and New York, consumers also favor legal outlets, but some uncertainty exists over store licenses. Daily cannabis use surpasses alcohol, with fewer reported secondhand harms. Teen marijuana use has decreased post-legalization. Some consumers would return to the illicit market if cannabis became a prescription drug. Pain management is a common reason for marijuana use, with fruity strains being popular.

Paul Brittain, a nurse at York Hospital, praises feeling healthier after switching from smoking to vaping through the Swap and Stop project. He is one of the 5.6 million UK adults vaping, with 11% using e-cigarettes. Despite vaping being less harmful than smoking, it still contains chemicals like nicotine. Brittain is gradually reducing his nicotine intake and experiencing improved health after years of chest infections. He sees himself as a non-smoker now, appreciating the positive changes from vaping compared to the challenges of quitting smoking previously. The government supports vaping for smoking cessation but discourages non-smokers from starting.

Health Canada expanded the recall of iNaturally Organic Inc. cannabis products due to inaccuracies on labels, affecting over 17,000 units sold across several Canadian provinces. The products contain higher THC levels than stated, posing health risks like cannabis poisoning. Consumers are advised to stop using, return, or dispose of the products and keep them away from children. Inaccurate labeling may lead to unsafe consumption during activities requiring alertness. iNaturally Organic Inc. initiated a voluntary recall, following reports of adverse reactions. The current recall builds upon a previous one issued in June, emphasizing the importance of accurate product information for informed decision-making on cannabis usage.

Nicotine pouches were approved in Canada to help smokers quit, but there’s growing concern they’re ending up in the hands of kids. The National breaks down how they ended up for sale in convenience stores with no age limit and what experts are most worried about.

Despite the widespread drop in smoking over the past decades, cigarettes are still more popular than vaping. In a new Gallup poll, roughly 11 percent of Americans said they smoked a cigarette in the past week, compared with 7 percent who said the same for electronic cigarettes. Overall, traditional cigarette smoking remains at roughly an 80-year low. In 2022, cigarette smoking reached a record low of 11 percent and has stayed around that level ever since.

A recent study in JAMA examined salt-based nicotine and menthol in e-cigarettes among young adults. Young adults are the main users, with early use increasing addiction risk. Salt-based nicotine led to higher plasma levels compared to freebase nicotine. Positive experiences were more likely with salt-based nicotine and menthol flavoring. Puff intensity increased with nicotine salts and lower concentrations. Lab e-liquids reduced cravings, especially with 5% nicotine. The study suggests salt-based e-cigarettes may heighten nicotine dependence in young adults, indicating a need for regulation to curb addiction risks. Regulators should consider limiting additives to prevent abuse and appeal, maintaining e-cigs as cessation aids.

Vaping may pose a small risk of cardiovascular harm, but evidence is inconclusive. Switching from smoking to vaping reduces cardiovascular disease risk. Long-term studies are needed to clarify risks. Cross-sectional studies show mixed results; dual use of vaping and smoking increases risk. Nicotine has cardiovascular effects but is safer than smoking. Exclusive vaping reduces cardiovascular disease risk. More research is needed, but it's advised not to vape unless a smoker. Dual use increases risk. Harmful chemicals in vaping may impact cardiovascular health, but to a lesser extent than smoking. Overall, switching from smoking to vaping improves heart health.

Action on Smoking and Health shared alarming data on teen vaping in Great Britain, yet experts remain silent. Last year, concerns about misinformation were widespread, but this year, not a single tobacco harm reduction expert has weighed in. ASH aims to debunk myths and promote the benefits of vaping for smoking cessation. Despite acknowledging the lower risks of vaping compared to smoking, their support for restrictive measures could be fueling misconceptions. A recent study revealed a significant misperception that vaping is as harmful as smoking, potentially deterring smokers from switching. Experts stress the importance of accurate information and urge against policies that may wrongly equate vaping with smoking.