Stories

Vaping among young people significantly increases the likelihood of future smoking, asthma, cough, injuries, and mental health issues. Research shows a concerning link between vaping and harmful behaviors, prompting calls for stricter regulations. While evidence is largely observational, studies indicate a threefold increase in smoking initiation among young vapers. Asthma risk rises by 20-36%. The relationship between vaping and smoking urges governments to act swiftly. Despite vaping being a less harmful alternative for adults, it poses serious risks for youth. Controversy exists on the causality of vaping leading to smoking. Urgent actions are needed to protect children from the dangers associated with vaping.

The FDA portrays itself as protecting Americans from dangerous products, but its history suggests otherwise. Its approval of opioids helped cause the deadly epidemic that has killed hundreds of thousands since 2000. At the same time, the FDA restricts safer alternatives to cigarettes, applying stricter standards to harm-reduction products while effectively protecting cigarette companies. Although the dangers of smoking have been known since the 1960s, the 2009 Tobacco Control Act gave the FDA broad authority over nicotine products, requiring new ones to undergo a burdensome approval process to prove they benefit public health.

In this special reaction episode, we break down a powerful moment from The Pack Breakers podcast when a South African MP boldly questioned the influence of foreign-funded NGOs and international institutions like the WHO in shaping South Africa’s tobacco control legislation.

Illinois has raised its tobacco tax from 36% to 45% as part of the 2026 budget, which now also applies to nicotine pouches like Zyn. The change, effective July 1, is expected to generate about $53 million in new revenue. Zyn pouches, popular among young people for their discreet use and flavored options, are now taxed similarly to cigarettes, though they remain cheaper—a tin starts at $5.60 before tax and about $9.92 after. By contrast, heavy taxation makes cigarettes in Chicago cost up to $20 per pack, the highest in the U.S.

The Gibraltar Government is considering legislation to ban tobacco sales to residents born after January 1, 2009. Feedback from industry and retailers highlighted economic concerns. The Minister acknowledges the addictive nature of nicotine but clarifies smoking remains legal. The goal is to prevent youth smoking and create a smoke-free environment. If approved, the law would take effect in 2027. Penalties for violating the law could be up to £10,000 for individuals and up to £20,000 for businesses. The legislation also targets single-use vapes, tobacco product imitations, and vending machine sales.

Seizures of illegal vapes are surging in the UK due to the disposable ban, driving more activity to the black market. Sussex confiscated 21,200 illicit vape products in 2024 compared to zero four years earlier. In Surrey, seizures rose from 500 to 14,140 last year. While councils see it as progress, critics say more funding is needed for Trading Standards to combat dangerous products. Industry advocates argue crackdowns on rogue traders are essential. Despite efforts, the ban on disposable vapes is backfiring, with illegal sales persisting across the UK. The rise in unlawful vapes poses health risks and undermines the vaping industry's credibility.

India's vape ban has lasted six years, despite over 1 million smoking-related deaths yearly. Doctors from AIIMS advocate for a reevaluation, suggesting e-cigarettes aid cessation. They challenge the ban despite AIIMS' support. With high tobacco use, advocates call for harm reduction policies like those in the UK. The ban failed, leading to a booming illicit market. Public health experts urge a review for a safer approach. Doctors witness smoking's harm daily, supporting a reevaluation for better public health. Researchers emphasize the need for evidence-based policies to combat smoking's devastating impact.

Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death and disease, linked to cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, and cancer. Novel nicotine products such as e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches can lower exposure to harmful chemicals and reduce smoking-related risks, supporting national “SmokeFree” strategies. However, their effectiveness depends on accessibility. While some advocate for prescription-only models, such restrictions may limit access for smokers and lead to unintended consequences, including black markets, crime, and health risks from unregulated products.

In India, hundreds of millions of tobacco users are kept in the dark about safer nicotine products, while the government bans popular alternatives like vaping and stays silent on even basic NRTs. Shot on location at GFN 2025 in Warsaw, Poland, Jagannath Sarangapani exposes how prohibition and the absence of relative risk messaging have shaped the country’s tobacco control strategy.

This text, based on a presentation at a conference, highlights flaws in nicotine/tobacco research, discusses harm reduction, and critiques common research flaws. It emphasizes the divisive nature of tobacco harm reduction (THR) research, industry involvement, and bias in interpreting data. Common flaws include disregarding harm continuum, misinterpreting causation, and making inappropriate policy recommendations. The author proposes that confirmation bias and peer reviewer alignment contribute to the field's polarization and declining research integrity. The complexity of nicotine/tobacco research, industry influence, and the need for critical evaluation of scientific studies are discussed.