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People using cannabis THC vapes risk inhaling a very dangerous substance called xylazine, UK experts warn after discovering some confiscated products contained the "zombie" drug. It is "alarming" to find it in "even a few" illicit e-cigarettes that many think are pretty harmless, experts say. Dr Caroline Copeland and colleagues from King's College London say new types of illicit xylazine products are now entering the UK market. As well as risky vapes, they found tablets being sold as codeine and diazepam, or Valium, that contained xylazine.

The oral nicotine product Zyn has skyrocketed in sales and popularity in recent years, shifting the landscape of the U.S. tobacco market. This remarkable growth has thrust Zyn into a culture war, with Sen. Chuck Schumer calling for a federal crackdown on the flavored pouches and Tucker Carlson becoming an unofficial Zyn spokesman. WSJ explores what we can learn about Zyn when we test it in a lab and how transformative the product could be for the tobacco industry.

Vaping is often promoted as a healthier alternative to smoking, but it still carries risks and is most helpful as a step towards quitting tobacco completely. Vaping involves inhaling vapor from e-cigarettes containing nicotine and other chemicals. While it may reduce exposure to toxins, long-term effects are uncertain and the FDA does not endorse vaping as a smoking cessation aid. Quitting smoking leads to many health benefits over time, but using approved methods like NRT gum is safer for lung healing than vaping. Research is lacking on vaping's impact on health, with concerns about lung damage and other health risks associated with its use.

Zyn pouches, a non-tobacco nicotine product, are raising concerns about addiction, especially among young users. Marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, Zyn has lower health risks but can still lead to dependence and cardiovascular issues. The product lacks FDA approval, leaving questions about its long-term safety and effects on young non-smokers. Experts stress caution, warning against nicotine dependence and potential harm, especially for youths.

The CDC and FDA seek more funding for tobacco control in FY 2025. Both agencies have been criticized for their handling of reduced-risk tobacco products and misinformation campaigns. The CDC requests $265 million, while the FDA aims to increase user fees and include e-cigarettes. Youth vaping rates have decreased significantly since 2019, despite agency initiatives. The FDA's exaggerated claims about vaping harm have been debunked. The CDC and FDA continue to focus on reducing youth tobacco use. Policy changes like banning menthol cigarettes could have negative impacts.

Actions by anti-tobacco harm reduction advocates and organizations are “outrageous” and “disgusting,” says Ethan Nadelmann, legendary drugs harm reduction campaigner. Why are the lessons learned in the fight to end the war on drugs ignored in the battle to end the war on vaping?

The World Health Organization's credibility in global health has eroded due to misinformation about vaping, including claims of seizures without evidence. Various studies and experts refute these claims, emphasizing the lack of proven causation between vaping and seizures. The WHO's anti-vape stance disregards harm reduction benefits and essential medicines that include nicotine products. Despite evidence to the contrary, the WHO persists in spreading falsehoods, hindering smokers from considering safer alternatives. A shift towards truth and balanced health policies is essential to prevent smoking-related harm worldwide.

Nepal is set to prohibit e-cigarettes due to increasing youth use, with imports reaching 3.2 million in 2023. Despite studies suggesting vaping is safer than smoking, officials warn of equal harm. A survey reveals a rise in tobacco use, with 34.1% of Nepalese and varying percentages across age groups consuming tobacco, partly due to hookah and e-cigarette popularity. Researchers advocate for stricter enforcement of anti-smoking laws and increased public awareness to combat the issue.

Two years ago, Members of the European Parliament (MEP) adopted the Report on the Beating Cancer Plan. They stated that “comprehensive preventive actions against cancer, through measures supporting the elimination or reduction of harm caused by modifiable risk factors should be implemented across all European policies and funding programmes”. In particular, MEPs encouraged the Commission to “promote actions to reduce and prevent alcohol-related harm”. They also called the Commission to enact evidence-based policies, backed by the scientific community.

Antismoking advocates are urging Joe Biden to ban menthol cigarettes, which could improve public health by discouraging smoking. However, concerns exist regarding the impact on smokers who may turn to illicit markets or stick with conventional cigarettes. Political implications also play a role, with worries about alienating voters and potential legal challenges. Implementing the ban effectively is questioned due to limitations on flavored e-cigarettes and potential legal obstacles. Advocates push for action before the 2024 election, balancing the need for public health benefits with political risks and challenges in enforcement. The Biden administration faces complex trade-offs in addressing the issue.