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A new study led by Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center shows that daily e-cigarette use alongside smoking combustible cigarettes may aid in quitting smoking. Published in JAMA Network Open, the research involving 1,985 adults in the U.S. from 2014-2021 suggests that sufficient nicotine replacement helps smokers quit. The study highlights higher cessation rates for daily e-cigarette users compared to nondaily users. The findings indicate newer e-cigarettes delivering more nicotine efficiently as a possible factor. Roswell Park continues to lead innovations in cancer care since 1898. Ultimately, complete tobacco product abstinence is the goal.

Frequent e-cigarette use is linked to higher rates of quitting traditional cigarettes, with daily vapers quitting more than twice as much as non-daily vapers. Mint and menthol flavors were more effective in helping individuals quit smoking. The study emphasizes the importance of data from recent e-cigarette models for public health decisions. Dual use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes has increased, highlighting the need for complete cessation of smoking. E-cigarettes are gaining attention as a smoking cessation aid, potentially outperforming standard counseling. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy views vaping as a harm reduction tool for adults but expresses concerns about youth vaping.

The Finance Minister confirmed plans to introduce a tax on vapes and e-cigarettes next year. The 9% Vat rate for the hospitality sector is unlikely to return. Changes to inheritance tax and income tax thresholds are expected in the upcoming budget. Measures to support pensioners and address the cost of living, including maintaining the 9% Vat rate on gas and electricity over winter, are priorities. Introducing a levy on vapes and potential tax increases on cigarettes are being considered. Overall, the budget aims to support public health, reduce smoking, and provide significant support for pensioners and vulnerable groups.

A new study by researchers at University College London and the SPECTRUM Consortium compared nicotine absorption levels in children exposed to secondhand smoke, secondhand vapor, or neither. The research found that children absorbed significantly less nicotine from secondhand vapor compared to smoke. While exposure to harmful substances was minimal, the study suggests it's best to avoid indoor vaping around children. Experts agree that 'passive vaping' poses negligible health risks, as vapes release no combustion products. Concerns over secondhand vaping may be exaggerated, with air pollution being a more significant concern. The study indicates that banning indoor vaping for health reasons may not be necessary, unlike smoking.

Marlboro maker Altria (MO.N), opens new tab said on Wednesday it had sent data to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on growth in illegal nicotine pouches, saying it echoed the early stages of a now massive black market for vapes in the country. Cigarette makers like Altria and British American Tobacco (BATS.L), opens new tab have lost substantial U.S. sales to e-cigarettes that are being illegally marketed without FDA authorisation, including illegal disposable vapes from China.

Despite considerable scientific evidence to support the efficacy - and relative safety - of safer nicotine products (SNPs) powerful voices continue to place obstacles in the way of consumers. Consumers are an often neglected voice in the debates that often result in disproportionate regulation, restrictions on sales and use and outright bans applied to SNPs. There are some notable exceptions, where consumers have had their voices heard and garnered support from legislators, resulting in a more balance and nuanced approach.

Indonesia increased the minimum age for buying cigarettes from 18 to 21 to reduce smoking rates, with 70 million adult smokers in a country that produces tobacco. The regulation also bans single cigarette sales and advertising, with penalties for violations. Sales near schools and on social media are restricted, effective immediately. A significant percentage of smokers in Indonesia are aged 10 to 18. While some anti-smoking advocates see the regulations as insufficient, others believe stricter enforcement is necessary. The tobacco industry expressed concerns about the impact on their business. Indonesia has been raising tobacco product excise rates annually to deter smoking.

Health and child rights experts raised concern over the promotion of e-cigarettes and vapes as a safe alternative to smoking and healthier alternatives to traditional tobacco products. They warned that these products are also being used as a gateway to traditional tobacco use. They cautioned that this misleading narrative is a strategic attempt by the industry to target and trap the young population, particularly those aged 10 to 19 years.

In 2023, substance use remained high, with vaping rising and smoking declining. Rates of mental illness and substance use in the US stayed stable, showcasing ongoing crises. Survey data emphasized the lack of available treatment for those with behavioral health issues. Despite slight shifts in nicotine consumption, alcohol and drug use levels were mostly steady, with fewer people misusing fentanyl. Still, over 48 million Americans met substance use disorder criteria, but few received treatment. The survey highlighted a rise in vaping but a decrease in smoking, particularly among teens. Mental health concerns persisted, with a significant portion of the population affected.