Stories

The US DEA plans to reclassify marijuana as less harmful, recognizing its medical uses and lower potential for abuse. This proposal, pending review, would move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, following health department advice. President Biden supports this change, aiming to right past convictions. DEA's move aims to align with public sentiment towards marijuana, increasingly accepted and decriminalized. However, critics warn of risks, such as marijuana's possible gateway effect. The shift could impact the industry economically, improving research opportunities and reducing tax burdens.

International health experts back the global initiative Quit Like Sweden, inspired by Sweden's success in eradicating smoking, to prevent premature deaths worldwide. The initiative promotes adopting safer alternatives like snus and vapes to achieve smoke-free status. Research indicates that replicating Sweden's approach can save millions of lives globally, with Brazil potentially saving 1.4 million lives through similar strategies. The founder, Suely Castro, aims to empower individuals worldwide to take control of their health by embracing harm reduction practices to combat smoking-related diseases.

E-cigarettes show promise for aiding smoking cessation, particularly in emergency department settings, according to a recent commentary co-authored by Gina Kruse, MD. The commentary questions the public health impact of e-cigarettes, emphasizing the need for more research on their long-term use and effects on adolescents. Differences in e-cigarette regulations between the U.K. and the U.S. could impact the applicability of research findings. Access to evidence-based cessation treatments alongside e-cigarettes warrants further investigation. Kruse highlights the challenge of balancing adults' cessation needs with preventing youth access to e-cigarettes, emphasizing the importance of informed policies and practices regarding these devices.

The Advertising Standards Authority banned an IBVTA advertorial in a newspaper for indirectly promoting unlicensed e-cigarettes and breaching rules. The ad claimed vaping saves smokers' lives and aimed to educate about vaping benefits. Although not promoting specific products directly, the ad indirectly endorsed single-use vapes. ASA ruled the ad must not run again. IBVTA expressed disappointment, citing public misinformation about vaping vs. smoking.

A study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine links E-cigarette use to unintended and intended ocular surface exposures. The research highlights the increasing global use of E-cigarettes and their potential harm on eye components. An analysis of 18 studies reveals consequences such as corneal injury, tear film disruption, and dry eye symptoms. Chronic exposure may lead to ocular malignancies and alterations in tear production and meibomian gland loss. The study emphasizes the critical need for further research on the long-term effects of E-cigarette use on ocular health.

Fruit-flavoured prescription-only nicotine vapes for adults wanting to move away from cigarettes should be made available, manufacturers have told senators, as they throw their support behind new legislation aimed at stamping out the black market. Wilhelm David from From the Fields, which manufactures prescription nicotine vapes, appeared before the senate inquiry considering the legislation on Wednesday, testifying that when used appropriately, the products could help save lives.

Victoria's illegal tobacco and vape trade involves gangs recruiting youth for criminal acts like arson and extortion, with ties to various crime groups. The rise in illegal tobacco is attributed to high profits and low risks, appealing to organized crime. Despite ongoing issues for a decade, the problem was highlighted in 2023 due to arson attacks. Police efforts have led to arrests and seizures. Authorities aim to introduce a licensing scheme for better enforcement, particularly in regional areas. The government plans to implement a tobacco licensing scheme to tackle the issue.

On April 30, 2024, the FDA, DOJ, and U.S. Marshals Service seized over $700,000 worth of unauthorized e-cigarette products in Alhambra, CA, mainly from California-based distributors. The enforcement aims to combat the illegal sale of flavored e-cigarettes, including brands enticing to youth. This joint action was the first seizure involving tobacco products by the agencies. FDA continues to crack down on unauthorized e-cigarettes across the supply chain, having issued numerous warning letters and penalties. They have granted marketing authorization to some legal tobacco-flavored e-cigarette products in the U.S.

The World Health Organization has 8,000 employees, a budget of close to $4bn dollars, considerable influence and ambitious goals. Expanding access to medical care. Managing global health emergencies. Addressing the root causes of disease. Even combatting misinformation online. To the latter, one is tempted to respond, “Physician, heal thyself.” That’s because, when it comes to one of the most important public health questions of our time — how best to reduce the death and disease caused by smoking tobacco — the WHO is not merely failing to curb misinformation. It is misleading governments, health care workers and the public.

The Senate Inquiry on Vaping analyzed misleading claims from health organizations and academics. Exaggerated concerns about youth vaping and vaping as a gateway to smoking were debunked. Vaping is seen as a public health opportunity, with benefits for adult smokers outweighing minor harms to youth. The black market thrives due to strict regulations. Misconceptions about vaping risks, reliance on flawed reports, and disentangling vaping from Big Tobacco were addressed. An industry-funded recycling plan could reduce environmental impact. The Committee is urged to scrutinize submissions for accuracy and evidence-based claims. Respected health sources should be questioned if not supported by rigorous analysis.