Stories

The World Health Organization (WHO) has shifted towards an ideological stance on tobacco, neglecting science and favoring donor interests at COP11. Despite evidence showing reduced-risk nicotine products are safer, the WHO prioritizes harsher regulation on them over more harmful cigarettes. Delegates resisted these unfounded proposals, criticizing the WHO's bias and cult-like behavior. The WHO's hypocrisy was evident in biased awards and a funding ecosystem influenced by billionaire donors like Michael Bloomberg. In contrast, open dialogue at the "Good COP" conference highlighted the need for transparent, evidence-based public health policies, criticizing the WHO's failure to prioritize harm reduction. The WHO's deviation from its duty poses a threat to global public health.

Spain is considering a nationwide ban on smoking in outdoor spaces like terraces, parks, and playgrounds, including traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The law, which has passed the draft stage, aims to extend existing restrictions, crack down on new smoking devices, and prohibit tobacco advertising. Fines could reach €600,000 for serious violations, impacting not only smokers but also establishments failing to enforce the ban. Public consultation and further legislative steps are needed before the law can take effect, stirring debate on the impact of these measures.

Health Canada's regulations have pushed nicotine pouches behind pharmacy counters, leading consumers like Kaden Desmarais to find alternative sources. Desmarais criticizes the confusing rules and prefers online sellers or Indigenous reserves for purchases. Health Canada's restrictions aim to control nicotine pouch sales and access, with only Zonnic approved for sale. The agency's move to require sales through pharmacies has sparked debate on the accessibility of cessation products. Imperial Tobacco Canada stresses the importance of pouches as a therapy, yet some public health groups raise concerns. The rules have prompted Canadians to seek pouches through various channels, raising concerns about organized crime involvement.

Belgium’s drug commissioner warned that most illegal refillable vape capsules seized in the country contain synthetic opioids. This means children using illegal vapes may unknowingly become addicted from a very young age. She explained that over 80% of seized capsules include these hidden drugs, which have no distinct smell or color. Experts worry that this could harm brain development and worsen addiction risks among teens.

ASH Scotland released a guide for midwives on addressing nicotine use during pregnancy, causing confusion rather than clarity. The guide implies medicinal nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is far safer than commercial products, despite both containing the same compound. Differences lie in purity, dose, and regulation, but evidence doesn't conclusively support medicinal NRT being "far safer." Caution is advised for pregnant individuals until further research clarifies the risks.

The text discusses an episode of "Aclaremos las cosas" with Clive Bates on tobacco control policy. The conversation criticizes the WHO Framework Convention for being bureaucratic and anti-industry instead of harm reduction-focused. It highlights issues like Article 5.3, excluding dissenting voices, organized crime impacts of bans, and missed opportunities for harm reduction. The episode calls attention to philanthropic foundation influence on global narratives about nicotine.

Former WHO Directors Derek Yach and Tikki Pang advocate a radical overhaul of the WHO's tobacco control treaty for harm reduction. They emphasize the need for courage from governments, industry, and civil society to prioritize public health over old beliefs. Highlighting the importance of informing healthcare professionals, they urge scientific societies and journals to support harm reduction strategies. The authors stress the urgency for low-income countries to adopt these measures to prevent long-term health and economic burdens. Contrasting progress in developed and developing nations, they argue for embracing safer alternatives to reduce smoking-related harm. Despite past mistrust of tobacco companies, they call for a pragmatic shift towards harm reduction to save lives.

A new Czech law bans candy-flavored electronic cigarettes, giving stores seven months to sell existing stocks. The law aims to protect youth as over a quarter of young users prefer candy flavors. Experts warn that nicotine in e-cigarettes harms adolescent brain development, leading to addiction and behavioral issues. The ban targets flavors attracting minors, while adult users can still access other options. The move follows concerns that e-cigarettes increase smoking rates, especially among minors. Critics suggest enforcing existing laws against selling any cigarettes to minors. Addiction specialist Adam Kulhánek supports the ban on candy flavors to safeguard children's health.

Research reveals that astrocytes' enzyme, glutamine synthetase, plays a crucial role in nicotine addiction, influencing brain changes and addictive behavior. Led by Prof. Choe, the study found that astrocytes interact with neurons to regulate nicotine-dependent behavior. Nicotine exposure stimulates receptors on astrocytes, triggering a calcium surge and signaling pathways that enhance locomotor sensitization. By blocking specific interactions in rats' brains, researchers dampened locomotor sensitization, underscoring astrocytic signaling's significance in nicotine-induced brain changes. These findings suggest a new avenue for addiction research, emphasizing glia communication and potential therapeutic strategies for smoking cessation.

Associate Health Minister Casey Costello was questioned about the government's plan to permit oral nicotine products, despite denying ties to the tobacco industry. Costello emphasized harm reduction and safety precautions to prevent youth access. Labour's Dr. Ayesha Verrall cautioned against potential new addictions in youths, urging Costello to follow expert advice before introducing the products. Public health researcher Dr. Jude Ball highlighted the lack of evidence supporting oral nicotine products for smoking cessation and warned about tobacco companies promoting youth consumption. Costello is still reviewing recommendations on the matter.