Stories

The World Health Organization's COP10 conference on tobacco control took place in Panama after being postponed. The conference excluded supporters of tobacco harm reduction, suggesting bans on vaping products and enforcing strict regulations. Critics, like Nancy Loucas, condemned the conference's lack of transparency. Although the conference achieved consensus on some measures, proposals against safer nicotine products were pushed back to COP11 in 2025. Dissent from some delegations prevented further restrictive measures. Advocates expressed disappointment in countries like the UK and Canada for not supporting harm reduction.

The nicotine market in North America is evolving, with vape and oral sales rising while traditional combustibles still dominate. Major tobacco companies are shifting toward next-gen products, impacting combustible sales. The U.S. nicotine market is forecasted to reach $107.5 billion by 2024, with e-cigarettes projected to generate $8.8 billion. Nicotine pouches are also growing, with the U.S. market expected to reach $11.03 billion by 2027. In Canada, the market is smaller but growing, with nicotine sales projected at $12.3 billion in 2024.

The World Health Organization urges intensified efforts in South-East Asia Region to control high tobacco and e-cigarette use, which remains a major health risk. Despite a decline in tobacco use, the region still has the highest tobacco consumption globally. Measures are essential to combat e-cigarettes, especially among youth. Countries like Thailand report a rise in e-cigarette use, with co-use of traditional cigarettes. WHO supports policies to deter tobacco and e-cigarette industry interference and protect the health of over 2 billion people in the region. Progress has been made, with several countries banning or regulating e-cigarettes and reducing tobacco use, aiming to meet NCD targets by 2025.

THR advocates and researchers continue to analyse the fallout from #COP10FCTC, and its implications for millions of users of safer products around the globe. In this special episode of GFN News, Brent Stafford of Regulator Watch asked leading THR experts at the Good COP / Bad COP event in Panama for their response to the events of #COP10FCTC.

An international study in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that smokers undergoing counseling to quit smoking are more successful when using nicotine vapes. As Australia prepares to make vaping prescription-only, debates continue on their effectiveness. The study involved 1,246 participants, with the vaping group showing higher success rates in quitting smoking at six months compared to the non-vaping group. While vaping was found to be helpful, concerns remain about its long-term use and the potential harm from e-liquids. The study did not compare vaping to other cessation methods.

Rishi Sunak's proposal for a single-use vape ban to curb youth vaping has drawn criticism due to the ineffectiveness of similar measures in Australia. The Australian black market for vapes has boomed despite bans, leading to safety concerns. Theo Foukkare highlights the failure of prohibition and advocates for regulated sales to adults. In response, Sunak emphasizes the need to protect children from addiction and health risks. Labour's consideration of a prescription-only policy for vapes, based on Australia's approach, raises concerns about straining the NHS with additional consultations.

In this episode we explore the situation in Australia and the evolving situation in the United Kingdom. Draconian "regulations" or De Facto Ban? Language Warning. We let you hear from the people directly impacted.

Why Panama? Martin Cullip of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance’s Consumer Center explains that the anti-tobacco gang at the WHO are very impressed with countries that erect high barriers to tobacco use, including smoking bans, high taxes, age restrictions and so on. Panama’s legislators having followed this path, Panama was rewarded with the conference. Delegates have flooded in from around the world to support hotels, restaurants and the economy at large. After a day of listening to prohibitionists preach the evils of nicotine many presumably head off to sip margaritas and pinot noirs — though alcohol, a known carcinogen, is a much greater hazard than smokeless tobacco.

The tobacco industry is heavily criticized and ostracized by various organizations and NGOs aiming to denormalize it. While facing vast opposition, the industry continues to exist legally and contributes significantly to economies worldwide. In response to health concerns associated with smoking, the industry has introduced alternative products like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco. However, regulatory bodies and activists often unfairly target these harm-reducing products. The righteous risks faced by the tobacco industry highlight the challenges of securing acceptance and navigating moral judgments.

A vaping lobby group funded by tobacco companies is running ads in Australian newspapers opposing vaping reforms. The campaign, Bust the Black Market, aims to regulate e-cigarettes like tobacco and alcohol. Health experts argue the group is misguiding the public by claiming the reforms will benefit criminals selling unregulated products. The Australian Taxpayers Alliance, behind the ads, has ties to tobacco companies and opposes strict regulation. Health Minister Mark Butler counters these claims, stating the need to prevent youth nicotine addiction. The government's plan includes bans on importation and sales without prescription to combat illegal markets.