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 03, 2026 by 2firsts.com
Vape bans and tougher rules: the South Caucasus takes different paths
Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia are taking markedly different approaches to nicotine regulation across the South Caucasus.
Azerbaijan's nationwide vape ban has raised concerns about illicit sales, while Armenia is introducing tighter technical standards and higher excise duties. Georgia has avoided sweeping vaping restrictions, despite calls for tougher controls, while offering preferential taxation to domestic cigarette manufacturers.
These contrasting policies highlight the challenges of balancing youth protection, market oversight and tobacco harm reduction. Their longer-term outcomes may offer valuable insights into how regulation affects access to lower-risk nicotine alternatives and the growth of illicit markets.
November 03, 2026 by asiantrader.biz
We Vape’s Mark Oates: Why Resist Harm Reduction?
The UK's contrasting treatment of snus, nicotine pouches and heated tobacco raises questions about the consistency of its approach to tobacco harm reduction.
Despite Sweden's experience with smoke-free nicotine products, snus remains banned for sale in Britain, while cigarettes continue to be widely available. Consumer advocates argue that these restrictions can make it harder for smokers to find alternatives that suit their needs.
The debate highlights the importance of consumer choice, proportionate regulation and access to different lower-risk products. Smoking cessation strategies should recognise that no single alternative works for everyone.
November 03, 2026 by springer.com
Respiratory symptoms among never-established smokers who vape: a multiregional cross-sectional survey of 1,519 adults
A new study published in BMC Pulmonary Medicine, involving 1,519 adults across six world regions, found no clinically meaningful difference in respiratory symptom frequency between exclusive vapers and non-vapers without an established smoking history.
Although vapers reported slightly more frequent symptoms, the difference remained below the established threshold for clinical significance. The findings offer further insight into the respiratory effects of vaping, while highlighting the need for longer-term research.
For tobacco harm reduction, the distinction between statistical significance and clinically meaningful outcomes is particularly important when interpreting scientific evidence.
November 03, 2026 by planetofthevapes.co.uk
New Rules In Effect
New UK rules effective from the end of October restrict the sale and promotion of vaping and nicotine products. Sales are limited to adults aged 18 or over, and adults cannot buy them on behalf of minors. Vending machines selling these and related products are prohibited, as are promotional free samples, substantial discounts and coupons. Enforcement authorities can issue fixed penalty notices for a range of offences.
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute welcomed the closure of longstanding loopholes and urged retailers to check ages, train staff and update policies. ELFBAR also welcomed the rules but called for a retail licensing system, arguing that it would enable earlier action against repeat offenders.
11.80% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 6.7 million current smokers in United Kingdom 13.60% of men are current smokers but only 10.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
November 02, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu
Heart harm claims from study of just 17 vapers challenged by experts
Claims about vaping-related cardiovascular harm have been challenged following a study involving just 17 vapers, 19 smokers and 22 non-users.
Although researchers observed differences in blood vessel function and fitness, independent experts highlighted important limitations, including the small sample size, previous smoking history and the inability to establish causation.
The criticism reinforces the need for larger, longer-term studies and careful interpretation of findings. Accurate tobacco harm reduction research must distinguish potential health risks from demonstrated harm without overlooking the broader evidence on switching away from cigarettes.
11.80% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 6.7 million current smokers in United Kingdom 13.60% of men are current smokers but only 10.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
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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”.