Vapers Digest 18th December
Wednesday’s News at a glance:
Parliament Debates Vaping Regulations ~ Why I Report on Tobacco Harm Reduction ~ Tobacco Harm Reduction: A Vital Solution to Pakistan’s Smoking Crisis ~ The Case for Tobacco Harm Reduction in Africa ~ Tobacco Prohibitionists Kill Safer Alternatives ~ Enforcement is not experiencing a level playing field ~ Joe Biden, Chuck Schumer, and the Anti-Nicotine Poll That Could Backfire ~ To Make America Healthy Again, Trump Should Get Rid of PMTAs ~ Denver Will Ban Flavored Vapes and Nicotine Pouches ~ Labour Admits Health Department Has Not Spoken with Vaping Industry ~ The Future of Chenery II ~ Harm Reduction Equals Public Health Win in Thailand ~ Vaping & Harm Reduction in Public Discourse ~ Nicotine Users Vote Trump? Biden Menthol Ban May Backfire
Parliament Debates Vaping Regulations
Dave Cross, Planet of the Vapes
In all probability, Planet of the Vapes brings you the final questions about vaping in Parliament from Dr Caroline Johnson, the Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care. She directed questions to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Dr Caroline Johnson, when the Conservatives were in Government, was the MP responsible for pushing a ban on disposable vapes with her private member’s Bill.
Why I Report on Tobacco Harm Reduction
Tobacco harm reduction, which I’ve been covering as a journalist for a couple of years now, has often felt a strange space to work in. Polarizing, compassionate, full of justified hope, yet often dispiriting. Beset with hostility and falsehoods, yet fascinating. People who smoked cigarettes and then found tobacco harm reduction (THR) often talk about their “journey.” And that’s how I’ve come to see my work: a purposeful journey, with surprises around the corners.
Tobacco Harm Reduction: A Vital Solution to Pakistan’s Smoking Crisis
MangoBaaz
Pakistan faces an escalating smoking crisis, with millions at risk due to its adverse consequences. Addressing this urgent issue, a prominent advocacy group recently organized its fourth round-table discussion in Karachi. The event brought together public health officials, researchers, NGOs, medical associations, media representatives, and local community members to discuss innovative strategies for reducing smoking-related risks through Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR).
The Case for Tobacco Harm Reduction in Africa
Michael Gwarisa, All Africa
While vaping is not entirely harm-free, it is a scientifically proven tool for reducing the harm from tobacco combustion and, in some cases, an effective smoking cessation aid. In the United Kingdom (UK), public health efforts are increasingly focused on addressing youth vaping as a public health concern.
Several measures have been proposed to curb the growing number of nicotine users in the UK. These include introducing taxes to reduce the affordability of vape products, implementing minimum package sizes, restricting flavours, and tightening accessibility through age restrictions and licensing.
Joe Biden, Chuck Schumer, and the Anti-Nicotine Poll That Could Backfire
John Loftus, Daily Caller
A new poll suggests that President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s anti-nicotine stances backfired in the 2024 election, and swung a small but mighty demographic into Donald Trump’s camp.
Back in April, the Biden administration scrapped its potential plan to ban menthol cigarettes amid concern that the law would have significant political implications, mainly among working-class black voters. Earlier in the year, Schumer ignited an online rebellion after he called for a federal crackdown on the popular smokeless nicotine pouch, Zyn.
To Make America Healthy Again, Trump Should Get Rid of PMTAs
Peter Clark, Press-Telegram
The incoming Trump administration made many promises on the Campaign trail. Among these are assurances that he would revitalize U.S. business, to “save vaping.”
He can kill two birds with one stone by eliminating the Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) process for e-cigarettes. In so doing, he would affirm free enterprise and individual liberty as the foundation of prosperity.
Denver Will Ban Flavored Vapes and Nicotine Pouches
Jim McDonald, Vaping 360
The Denver City Council voted 11-1 Monday night to ban the sale of flavored vapes and nicotine pouches, along with menthol cigarettes, and flavored cigars and smokeless tobacco. The law will allow the sale of flavored hookah products and all unflavored combustible cigarettes.
The flavor ban will take effect 90 days after Mayor Mike Johnston signs it into law. Johnston has said he fully supports the ban.
Labour Admits Health Department Has Not Spoken with Vaping Industry
Ali Anderson, Clearing the Air
Labour has admitted that no one from the Health Department has spoken with representatives of the vaping industry since the general election.
After coming into power in July, Sir Keir Starmer’s party moved swiftly to pass a ban on disposable vapes. This will take effect from June 1, 2025. Labour is now pushing the controversial Tobacco and Vapes Bill through parliament, which will see further restrictions on the sale, marketing and content of vapes.
A look back at how things have moved on or otherwise…
Prohibition and ‘public health’
Christopher Snowdon, Velvet Glove Iron Fist
If Rishi Sunak goes ahead with his ruse of banning anyone born after a certain year from ever buying tobacco, the UK will be the only country in the world to have such a policy, but it will not be the only place in the world. I have only recently learnt this, but apparently there is a suburb of Boston where no one born in the 21st century can buy tobacco.
WHO Announcement Provokes Backlash
Tobacco Reporter
Tobacco harm reduction advocates have vehemently criticized the World Health Organization’s call to crack down on e-cigarettes.
On Dec. 14, the global health body issued a statement urging action to prevent the uptake of e-cigarettes and counter nicotine addiction.
Visit Nicotine Science & Policy for more News from around the World
