Stories

Karl Olov Fagerström, a renowned clinical psychologist, created a nicotine addiction test 45 years ago. He continues to advocate for harm reduction, stating that pure nicotine is less harmful than tobacco combustion. Fagerström promotes a tobacco-free society with less harmful alternatives like e-cigarettes and snus. Swedish data shows the effectiveness of these harm reduction strategies. He supports the UK NHS's initiative to provide free vaping kits to smokers. While some caution against e-cigarettes, Fagerström believes they are a safer option. He highlights the importance of harm reduction for individuals with mental disorders who have a higher prevalence of tobacco use.

Vapers are increasingly choosing high-strength nicotine e-cigarettes, with usage rising from 3.8% to 33% in England by 2024. The trend is more significant among young adults and users of disposable vapes. Research shows high-nicotine options are more effective in smoking cessation. Taxing vaping products based on nicotine could hinder quitting efforts. Experts suggest increasing prices of all vapes to deter underage use while ensuring high-nicotine vapes remain accessible for adult smokers.

A study found that both varenicline and nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes effectively help individuals quit smoking. Participants aged 25 to 75 were randomly assigned different cessation methods, with similar success rates on week 26: 40.4% for ECs, 43.8% for varenicline, and 19.7% for the placebo. The study suggests that while ECs may aid in reducing tobacco-related harm for long-term smokers, the potential long-term risks should be considered. The research was published in JAMA Internal Medicine by Anna Tuisku and colleagues from Lapland Central Hospital in Finland.

A new document supported by France, Germany, and other EU countries calls for a ban on flavors in nicotine products. To protect children, the paper asks for stricter regulations on marketing tobacco and nicotine on digital platforms. It will be discussed at an upcoming EU health ministers' meeting. The document urges the European Commission to propose measures to safeguard youth from the risks of tobacco and nicotine. It also suggests social media platforms take more responsibility for marketing these products. The paper contrasts with the European Parliament's support for vaping as a smoking cessation aid. This move has raised concerns, especially with France's involvement potentially impacting domestic politics.

Planet of the Vapes has had the privilege of attending and listening to presentations at the Global Forum on Nicotine for most of its iterations, in both Warsaw and then Liverpool during the Covid outbreak. The industry and the conference have changed over this time – the one constant being that consumers (vapers) have been welcomed to observe and participate. Here is our snapshot of Day 3.

A new report suggests that tobacco harm reduction could save nearly 2 million lives in selected Middle Eastern countries. The study focused on 7 nations with high smoking rates, where 384,000 premature deaths occur yearly due to tobacco use. By embracing harm reduction, improved cessation services, and better cancer treatment, over 1.8 million lives could be saved by 2060. Encouraging government support, better access to harm reduction products, and involving religious leaders are key strategies. Industry initiatives at the World Vape Show also addressed youth access, environmental impact, and flavor marketing concerns. The Middle East shows potential for leading the way in reducing smoking rates.

Vape retailers have expressed concern over the government’s yet-to-be-implemented move to ban vape displays and introduce “standard” packaging for the products, saying it will deal a heavy blow to their business. The measure would follow the gazettement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2023 in February, which requires that both tobacco and vape products be sold in plain or standardised packaging.

Australia's tobacco turf war stems from high cigarette taxes and strict vaping restrictions, driving a thriving illicit market. Government crackdowns have led to escalating violence and a surge in organized crime related to nicotine. With draconian measures planned, Australia risks worsening its drug war. By stifling safer nicotine alternatives, the country faces a rise in smoking and vaping among youth. The contrast with more liberal approaches, like in New Zealand, highlights the impact of policy choices on public health. Australia's experience serves as a cautionary tale, showing the consequences of extreme anti-nicotine regulations.

So if you were not there in person or unable to catch the live streaming, here is a round up of the important points made! If you would like to watch some of the discussions you can view them on the GFN YouTube Channel here. The streams are available in English, Russian and Spanish. Below is an example – Day 1 in English…

The Rutgers Institute for Nicotine and Tobacco Studies has a call to action for New Jersey lawmakers: Based on our research, New Jersey is failing its young people — and we need to bolster regulation and enforcement. State legislators deserve credit for passing innovative tobacco laws in recent years to protect young people. New Jersey was among the earliest states to raise the minimum age of sale to 21 for tobacco and e-cigarettes, contributing to a trend that spread nationwide. New Jersey also banned the sale of flavored e-cigarettes.