Stories

The City of Baltimore is suing Philip Morris and Swedish Match for allegedly targeting youth with Zyn nicotine pouches through flavors, social media, rewards programs, and marketing them as tobacco-free. The complaint lacks solid evidence and makes questionable claims, such as linking adult products to youth targeting. The lawsuit is criticized for misconstruing basic marketing strategies and lacking substantial proof of deliberate youth targeting. The City seeks fines and remedies despite weak arguments, suggesting a lack of substance in the case. The lawsuit is seen as a frivolous attempt based on weak reasoning and misconceptions about marketing tactics.

Teenagers are obtaining e-cigarettes from the black market, increasing addiction risks despite a study linking vaping to strokes. A survey found that most underage vapers get their devices online, with concerns raised about weak age verification methods in shops. The growth of this unregulated market poses dangers to youth health. Research has shown vaping's association with various health risks, with experts urging stricter age checks and regulation. Despite e-cigarettes being promoted for smoking cessation, there are worries about non-smoking youths taking up vaping. Enhancing age verification measures and regulation are crucial to combat youth vaping and its potential health harms.

Dutch doctors have filed a complaint against Snapchat's parent company, Snap, for not preventing illegal vape sales to teenagers in the Netherlands. The complaint alleges that Snapchat violates the EU's Digital Services Act by allowing dealers to use the app for selling nicotine products. Despite promised safeguards, investigations show teenagers can still access vape dealers on the platform easily. Doctors argue that Snap's measures have failed, leading to a vape epidemic among young people. The doctors urge regulators to take stronger action to protect minors from online risks. Snapchat has responded by enhancing safeguards, but concerns persist about the platform's role in youth nicotine addiction.

Australia’s tobacco industry is shifting as more consumers turn to e-cigarettes. The e-cigarette market, valued at US$ 572.1 million in 2024, is projected to reach US$ 1,479.6 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 11.1%. E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid containing nicotine and flavorings, simulating smoking without burning tobacco, thus avoiding tar and many harmful chemicals found in conventional cigarettes.

The Spanish government is in conflict with Brussels again, this time over a Health Ministry bill pushed by the left-wing Sumar coalition. The proposal seeks to heavily restrict the vaping and nicotine pouch market by banning all e-cigarette flavors except tobacco and capping nicotine pouches at 0.99 mg, which would effectively remove them from the market. The plan has sparked strong criticism within the EU. Seven countries — Hungary, Italy, Romania, Sweden, Greece, the Czech Republic and Croatia — along with the European Commission, have raised formal objections, arguing that Spain’s proposal violates the principle of free movement of goods, a cornerstone of the single market. Currently, 18 member states allow flavored vapes and 13 permit nicotine pouches.

The black market for cigarettes, tobacco, and vapes in Australia is growing and leading to violence. Despite high cigarette prices, illegal supplies are popular, with a significant black market presence. Vaping restrictions have not been successful, prompting increased vaping black market activities. The high cigarette excise has unintended negative consequences, with estimates of a $10 billion annual revenue loss for the government. New Zealand's successful approach to promoting safer nicotine options over cigarettes highlights Australia's failure in tobacco and vaping policies. Suggestions include reducing cigarette excise and increasing availability of safer nicotine products. The tobacco industry is shifting towards smoke-free products, which are becoming more profitable. Australia should consider following NZ's lead in tobacco harm reduction policies to combat the black market.

Many healthcare professionals find it difficult to keep up with rapid changes in nicotine products. A survey suggests the FDA could play a key role in providing guidance, but the agency has so far remained largely absent from the discussion. A recent national survey found that 93% of medical professionals believe the FDA has a duty to inform the medical community when a smoke-free product is shown to carry less risk than smoking. Nearly all (95%) said they would pass this information on to their adult patients who smoke. However, the FDA has remained largely silent on the issue, and many healthcare providers are unaware of which products regulators have reviewed for safety and efficacy.

The media often frames tobacco in a way that feels stuck in the 1990s—ignoring new science and harm reduction tools like e-cigarettes, snus, and nicotine pouches. In this interview, journalist Jacob Grier explains why coverage of smoking and tobacco policy is often outdated, how this impacts public perception, and why it’s time to rethink the conversation around nicotine.

The US FDA has called on nicotine pouch manufacturers to use child-resistant packaging after a rise in accidental exposures, most involving children under five. The products contain high levels of nicotine, which can be dangerous or even fatal to young children in small amounts. Toxic reactions have been documented in children with nicotine amounts as low as 1mg to 4mg, according to the US federal agency. Symptoms associated with nicotine poisoning can include confusion, vomiting and loss of consciousness.

Dr. Ziauddin Islam's article discusses how Pakistan can learn from Sweden's success in becoming the first "smoke-free" nation. By adopting strict policies, harm reduction strategies, and promoting reduced-risk products, Pakistan can work towards reducing its tobacco-related deaths. Sweden's success in lowering smoking rates through evidence-based policies and harm reduction serves as a model for other countries. Pakistan faces challenges in enforcing tobacco control laws and lacks research on harm reduction products. Emulating Sweden's comprehensive approach and promoting public awareness can help Pakistan move towards a smoke-free future. Dr. Islam emphasizes the importance of determination and effective policymaking in combating the tobacco epidemic.