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Health Secretary's office recognized nicotine pouches as lower-risk than cigarettes and advocates a 20mg cap to protect adults. They highlight pouches as separate from tobacco in regulation, aiming to avoid unintended consequences like increased smoking rates. The government commits to evidence-based and proportionate policies, consulting on regulations for flavors, ingredients, and display. Efforts include research on vaping and nicotine products, with plans for consultations and engagement with industry. Government acknowledges nicotine pouches as harm reduction tools but warns against youth use due to addiction risks. Focus is on protecting adults' rights while supporting smokers in quitting, ultimately aiming for stricter enforcement and age limits.

In 2026, Africa faces a critical decision on tobacco harm reduction policies. Despite strengthening tobacco control measures, smoking remains dominant. African governments must choose to enable safer alternatives or regulate all nicotine equally. The tension between traditional control and harm reduction approaches is growing. Countries like South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Zambia face key decisions on regulating novel nicotine products. Risk-proportionate regulation could lead to decreased smoking rates and healthcare costs. The continent's public health narrative now focuses on accelerating harm reduction alongside tobacco control efforts to combat smoking effectively.

Respected public health expert Jindřich Vobořil criticizes the WHO's tobacco control agenda for prioritizing ideology over evidence at the COP11 meeting. He highlights the hypocrisy of countries like China pushing for extreme measures while profiting from tobacco at home. Vobořil notes the exclusion of harm reduction and consumer voices in favor of well-funded NGOs linked to major donors, leading to a one-sided discussion. The focus on debunked myths instead of successful harm reduction strategies is alarming. He emphasizes the importance of evidence-based policies to save lives and warns of the consequences of ignoring science. The WHO must prioritize innovation and transparency to regain public trust and prevent unnecessary deaths.

The vaping ban, ineffective in practice, has led to a surge in smuggling of e-cigarettes into India, contributing to health risks and substance abuse concerns among youths. The ban, aiming to protect teenagers, has inadvertently made vapes more accessible, with loopholes exploited by smugglers. Experts note the dangers of unregulated vaping, highlighting risks of addiction and health issues. While vaping is considered less harmful than smoking in some countries, its uncontrolled spread in India raises alarms. Despite regulations, vaping products are openly sold online, fueling a growing market worth $2.2 billion. Addressing these issues through public awareness campaigns is crucial, given the lax enforcement and the significant number of cigarette smokers in the country.

Many vapers ask how much nicotine is in a cigarette to estimate the nicotine strength they need in e-liquids and replicate the sensation of smoking. However, nicotine intake from cigarettes doesn’t directly translate to vaping because the delivery methods are very different. Even similar nicotine amounts can feel stronger in cigarettes than in vapes. Since most vapers are former smokers and many smokers seek less harmful alternatives, understanding nicotine in all its forms is important. This topic may become even more relevant if the FDA successfully reduces nicotine levels in cigarettes below addictive thresholds.

The European Commission's Safe Hearts Plan aims to protect youth from nicotine harms. Harmonizing regulations on online sales can prevent minors' access. Different EU countries have varying rules on nicotine products, leading to price and availability differences. A ban on cross-border online sales of nicotine products is crucial to uphold tobacco policy goals, prevent illicit trade, secure tax revenues, and support compliant domestic businesses. Norway's upcoming ban sets an example for the EU to follow in the revised Tobacco Products Directive. By implementing this ban, the EU can better protect public health and prevent underage sales effectively.

When e-cigarettes first appeared, many public health professionals saw them as a potential tool to help people who smoke transition away from combustible cigarettes to a less harmful source of nicotine. While this approach worked for some individuals, aggressive and risky marketing strategies contributed to a surge in vaping among young people. Now, a new effort from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that the agency may be shifting its harm-reduction strategy toward another product: nicotine pouches.

Vaping has surpassed smoking in the UK, with concerns rising about its addictive nature. While less harmful than smoking due to lack of combustion, vaping still poses risks, especially for young people. Quitting vaping involves addressing both physical and behavioral components of addiction, with support options such as text messages, medications, and therapy showing promise. To quit successfully, it's crucial to identify triggers, reduce gradually, set limits, consider lower nicotine products, change flavors, manage cravings, seek professional help, and build a support system. For young people, avoiding vaping altogether is advised, with understanding and tailored support essential for cessation.

The rising use of cannabis vapes, containing THC, in Bradford poses a threat to youth. Despite being illegal for recreational use, these products were found on sale in the area. A recent raid discovered vapes with pure cannabis at a local off-licence. Concerns were raised about youths being hospitalized due to vaping, as they find it appealing for being odorless and discreet. Some vapes even contained Spice. Authorities discussed the issue during a licensing meeting and emphasized the dangers, including potential overdoses. A shop linked to such activities had its alcohol license revoked. Drug charity Forward Leeds warned about the risks of consuming THC through vaping.

Vietnam has banned e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products to safeguard public health, imposing fines on users and property owners. The Ministry of Health warns of health risks like addiction, cancer, and respiratory issues. Enforced from December 31, 2025, violations can lead to fines between VND 3-10 million. Vietnam joins five other Southeast Asian countries in outlawing these products, supported by the World Health Organization. Similar measures were also taken by Laos in 2021. The move aims to curb rising usage, especially among youth, with health concerns leading to over 1,200 hospitalizations in 2023.