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.
November 12, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu
French Senate blocks nicotine vape starter
A proposal to ban nicotine vape starter packs in France has been blocked on procedural grounds, preventing a new restriction on products used by adults seeking alternatives to cigarettes.
The amendment would have prohibited selling vaping devices together with nicotine-containing e-liquids, potentially making it less convenient for smokers to begin switching.
Although the proposal did not proceed, similar restrictions could still be introduced. The debate highlights the importance of preserving access to effective smoking cessation tools, particularly as Cochrane evidence shows that nicotine e-cigarettes can help more people quit smoking than traditional nicotine replacement therapies.
28.30% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 15.7 million current smokers in France.
SOURCE: GSTHR
November 12, 2026 by substack.com
Evidence sent to the WHO review of nicotine
The WHO's upcoming review of nicotine could have significant implications for the future of tobacco harm reduction.
Following Palau's proposal to bring nicotine under the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances, a detailed evidence briefing has been submitted to the WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence ahead of its critical review in October 2027.
The submission calls for a broader assessment of nicotine science, dependence and public health policy, emphasising the importance of distinguishing nicotine use from the harms of combustible tobacco. International regulatory decisions should consider the potential consequences for smoking cessation and access to lower-risk alternatives.
November 10, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu
77% of Quebec vapers still use banned flavours three years on
Quebec’s flavour ban has not eliminated demand for flavoured vaping products. Three years after its introduction, 77% of vapers still report using flavours covered by the restrictions, with fruit flavours remaining particularly popular.
The findings raise questions about the effectiveness of flavour bans and their potential to shift consumers towards informal or illicit markets. Tobacco harm reduction policies should consider real-world behaviour and preserve access to regulated alternatives for adults seeking to move away from cigarettes.
10.60% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 3.5 million current smokers in Canada 13.10% of men are current smokers but only 8.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
November 10, 2026 by substack.com
When the Evidence Finds Nothing: The Missing E-Cigarette Marketing Story
A study examining digital marketing exposure among 31 Aboriginal adults in Australia detected no e-cigarette advertising and very little tobacco promotion, despite including both categories in its assessment of unhealthy product marketing.
Most recorded exposure involved food, gambling and alcohol. However, the small sample and limited observation period mean the findings cannot establish broader population trends.
The analysis raises questions about drawing regulatory conclusions from preliminary evidence. Effective tobacco harm reduction policy requires distinguishing between observed findings, potential risks and assumptions about nicotine marketing.
8.20% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 1.8 million current smokers in Australia 9.50% of men are current smokers but only 6.90% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
November 10, 2026 by medium.com
How People Perceive Risks
People do not always assess risk according to scientific evidence. Psychological research shows that unfamiliar, invisible and uncontrollable threats often generate greater fear than well-known dangers, even when their actual risks are lower.
This helps explain why newer nicotine products can be perceived as more dangerous than cigarettes, despite substantially reducing exposure to many harmful toxicants.
Understanding how people perceive risk is essential to tobacco harm reduction. Public health communication must address both the scientific evidence and the psychological factors shaping consumer decisions.
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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”.