Harm reduction, not prohibition, right approach to nicotine
February 17, 2026 by washingtontimes.com
Harm reduction, not prohibition, right approach to nicotine
As a retired police lieutenant, I’ve seen firsthand how well-intentioned policies often backfire when they ignore basic truths about human behavior. Whether it’s drugs or other public health concerns, the lesson has been the same: When we try to control people’s choices through punishment or sweeping mandates, we often create new harms while failing to address the old ones. That’s why the Food and Drug Administration’s recently announced pilot program to streamline review of nicotine pouch products is a welcome step forward. It reflects a balanced, science-based understanding of the role nicotine pouches play in smoking cessation and public safety.
