Nicotine Science and Policy
By Harry Shapiro Aug. 13, 2026
Harry's blog 134: Filtering out lies and misinformation
The only major global journal focused on harm reduction has gone bust. Since 2017, Filter has advocated through journalism for rational and compassionate approaches to drug use, drug policy and human rights, while also standing out for its coverage of tobacco harm reduction. Its closure is a significant loss - particularly at a time when well-funded opponents of tobacco harm reduction continue to thrive.
October 15, 2026 by smokefreesweden.org
Tale Of Two Nations – Vol. 15: Kazakhstan v Sweden
Sweden and Kazakhstan illustrate how different tobacco control strategies can shape smoking trends and public health outcomes. Sweden has made significant progress in reducing smoking prevalence, supported by the availability of safer nicotine alternatives. Kazakhstan, meanwhile, has pursued a more restrictive approach to nicotine products, raising questions about the impact of limited access to smoke-free options.
The contrast highlights the importance of risk-proportionate regulation and the role consumer choice can play in reducing smoking-related harm.
October 15, 2026 by substack.com
Tobacco Risk Management: An Opportunity for Health Plans to Accelerate the Decline of Cigarette Smoking
Health insurers could play a much greater role in reducing smoking-related disease in the United States. Despite smoking cessation being among the most cost-effective medical interventions, fewer than half of smokers report receiving advice or assistance to quit.
Recent developments, including cheaper cessation medications, new clinical performance measures and growing evidence on safer nicotine alternatives, offer an opportunity to change that. Integrating tobacco harm reduction into health insurance programmes could improve patient outcomes while reducing long-term healthcare costs. The priority is not simply treating smoking-related disease, but investing in preventing it.
14.10% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 39.8 million current smokers in United States 17.10% of men are current smokers but only 11.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
October 15, 2026 by youtube.com
How Tranditional Nasvay is Made in Kyrgyzstan
Traditional nasvay production in Kyrgyzstan offers a closer look at a smokeless tobacco product with deep roots in Central Asia. Its preparation, ingredients and manufacturing conditions raise important questions about product quality, toxicant exposure and consumer safety. The latest GSTHR video explores how nasvay is made, highlighting why understanding traditional nicotine products is essential to developing effective, evidence-based tobacco harm reduction strategies.
17.40% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 832,000 current smokers in Kyrgyzstan 32.80% of men are current smokers but only 2.90% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
October 14, 2026 by brusselsmorning.com
EU Nicotine Market Freeze Sparks Innovation Concerns
A nicotine “market freeze” would lock Europe into today’s options instead of allowing better, lower-risk products to emerge. Innovation should not be given a free pass, but it should be assessed through evidence, standards and real-world impact rather than blocked in advance. Freezing the market could leave cigarettes protected while future smoke-free alternatives are kept out. Europe needs regulation that can manage risk without closing the door on progress.
October 14, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu
INVESTIGATION: Who’s behind the anti-nicotine propaganda?
Anti-nicotine campaigns rarely present themselves as propaganda; they present themselves as protection. That is why scrutiny matters. Funding networks, advocacy strategies and institutional alliances can shape which evidence is amplified, which voices are excluded and how safer nicotine products are framed to the public. A serious public health debate should be able to follow the influence behind the message, especially when the result may be fewer options for adults trying to leave cigarettes behind.
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Blogs
Harry's blog 134: Filtering out lies and misinformation
The only major global journal focused on harm reduction has gone bust. Since 2017, Filter has advocated through journalism for rational and compassionate approaches to drug use, drug policy and human rights, while also standing out for its coverage of tobacco harm reduction. Its closure is a significant loss - particularly at a time when well-funded opponents of tobacco harm reduction continue to thrive.
Harry’s blog 133: Silence is consent
Two tobacco control consultations that demand your attention
I’m sure there are many of you like me who are deeply cynical about public consultations. They often feel like political tick box exercises allowing the issuing authority from local councils to international organisations to say they have ‘consulted with the people’, when in truth they knew exactly what they were going to do from the get-go.
Harry’s Blog 132: “Zyn! Went The Strings Of My Heart” (with apologies to Judy Garland)
FDA approval of 20 nicotine pouch products is another step forward for tobacco harm reduction
The FDA in the U.S. has granted marketing authorisation for Zyn nicotine pouch products (five variations on mint plus five other flavours in two different strengths).
In its letter to PMI (who own Zyn manufacturers Swedish Match), the FDA wrote:
Based on our review of your MRTPAs [Modified Risk Tobacco Applications] we determined that the proposed modified risk tobacco products, …as actually used by consumers would significantly reduce harm and the risk of tobacco-related disease to individual tobacco users and benefit the health of the population as a whole, taking into account both users of tobacco products and persons who do not currently use tobacco products. Therefore, we authorize marketing of the tobacco products as modified risk tobacco products with the following modified risk information – “Using ZYN instead of cigarettes puts you at a lower risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema and chronic bronchitis”.