Stories

A ban on single-use vapes proposed by the Government may cost €3.1m yearly to enforce. This cost includes funding for 40 full-time HSE posts. The aim is to reduce vaping among youth, with potential public health benefits and impacts on the industry. The law will stop single-use vape sales in Ireland, targeting waste and environmental issues. The Government sees it as crucial for protecting children. The ban may affect industry profits, depending on consumer actions. The focus is on reducing youth vaping and any subsequent rise in smoking rates. Additional expenses are expected for further e-cigarette legislation enforcement.

Nicotine pouch use is rising among young men due to targeted marketing, with about 7.5% of 16-24-year-old men using them. Many users also smoke or vape, with some trying to quit smoking. The effectiveness of pouches in smoking cessation needs further study. Sales are increasing, driven by youthful consumers. Regulations are being considered to restrict sales to under 18 and control marketing. The study suggests monitoring the new regulations to balance harm reduction potential. Nicotine pouches are banned in some countries and facing restrictions in others.

Illegal tobacco has significantly reduced Australia's tobacco excise tax revenue, with projections showing a $22.3 billion decline by 2028. A former Australian Border Force officer warns that tax collection from tobacco could be minimal due to the impact of illegal tobacco trade.

The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) submitted a detailed, evidence-based response to the UK government’s Tobacco & Vapes Bill, emphasizing that regulation should support vaping as a tool for harm reduction rather than make quitting tobacco harder. They advocate for a simple, enforceable product-registration system, robust testing and manufacturing standards aligned with international best practices, and clear rules protecting adult access to flavors and products that help them quit smoking. UKVIA also stressed that enforcement should target illicit sellers and non-compliant imports, not responsible, compliant companies.

EU Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi stated that alternative tobacco products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches are just as harmful as traditional cigarettes, rejecting claims that they are safer. He cited recent data linking these products to cardiovascular risks and warned that their impact may be even worse among young people. A new report shows vaping in the EU increased by 45%, reaching 4% of people aged 15 and over in 2024, raising concerns about the spread of new nicotine habits.

The POUCH Act of 2024 would prevent states and cities from banning FDA-authorized lower-risk nicotine products like pouches and vapes, asserting that products deemed appropriate for public health should not be prohibited for political or fiscal reasons. Though modest, the bill represents a rare move toward more rational federal harm-reduction policy. At the same time, it highlights deeper systemic problems in U.S. nicotine regulation, including the protection of cigarette sales, government revenue interests, and regulatory barriers that disadvantage smaller innovators.

Several EU countries are considering changes to single-market rules to limit how much tobacco individuals can bring across borders. Denmark, holding the EU Council presidency, proposed this during early December talks on revising the Tobacco Taxation Directive. The proposal aims to balance disagreements between countries pushing for higher tobacco taxes and those opposing them by combining softer tax increases with stricter limits on intra-EU tobacco imports.

Disposable vapes pose environmental and health risks due to improper disposal and complex recycling requirements. With millions discarded annually, fires and pollution increase. Most users do not recycle, missing the chance to repurpose valuable materials like lithium batteries. Vapes contribute to global e-waste issues, generating plastic and electronic waste and leaching toxins into the environment. Some vape companies falsely claim eco-friendliness, contributing to the problem. Countries like India, Brazil, and the UK are banning disposable vapes to reduce their impact. More research and awareness are required to address this growing issue effectively.

Brussels plans a substantial tax increase on nicotine products in Europe that many governments claim was influenced by activists rather than elected officials. The draft proposes significantly higher taxes, with some nations seeing prices rise immediately. Concerns have been raised about the influence of activist networks like Smoke-Free Europe on shaping policy. Member States are dismayed at the lack of basic safeguards and transparency in the process. The directive, if implemented, could shape nicotine policy in the EU for the next decade, potentially undermining trust in EU decision-making and exacerbating divisions between member states. The debate reflects a larger question about who ultimately dictates public-health policy in Europe.

Technology is reshaping the methadone industry, aiming to increase efficiency and profit. Companies like Opio are introducing robotic machines like ZING to speed up the dosing process and reduce nurse turnover. ZING Satellite extends this technology to remote locations, monitored by DEA-approved cameras. While these innovations aim to improve access, they raise concerns about dehumanizing patient care. Despite technological advancements, the root issue lies in the lack of accessible, non-stigmatizing opioid treatment. Ultimately, the focus should shift towards community-based solutions rather than complex and expensive tech fixes like ZING.