Mexico’s crackdown on safer nicotine alternatives is costing thousands of lives, says global report
June 03, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu
Mexico’s crackdown on safer nicotine alternatives is costing thousands of lives, says global report
A new report highlights Mexico's high smoking-related death toll due to strict anti-nicotine product policies, contrasting with Sweden's success in reducing smoking rates through harm reduction strategies. Mexico's smoking rate has increased, causing 65,000 deaths yearly, while Sweden's rate has dropped significantly. Legal, affordable access to alternatives like snus and vapes has aided Sweden's success. Bans in Mexico have led to a black market and failed to curtail smoking. The report advocates for harm reduction policies, emphasizing the safety of alternatives compared to cigarettes. It suggests that legalizing and regulating these products can help smokers transition away from harmful smoking.
14.60% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 14.0 million current smokers in Mexico 23.10% of men are current smokers but only 6.90% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
