January 2023 Newsletter

This newsletter begins with findings from the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction. It reports that many consumer advocacy organizations working for access to safer nicotine products are run by volunteers, many of whom stopped smoking with the help of these products. These safer nicotine products include e-cigarettes, snus, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products.

The newsletter explains that these groups want consumers to be recognized as important voices in policymaking. According to the report, none of the surveyed consumer advocacy organizations said they received funding from tobacco or pharmaceutical companies. The issue says that people who use safer nicotine products have direct experience and should be included in policy discussions.

The issue also discusses the difficult debate around tobacco harm reduction. One article describes how some researchers and advocates face exclusion because of real or alleged links with industry. Another article explains the origin and evolution of harm reduction. It says that harm reduction means reducing the risks linked with a behavior when complete stopping is difficult. In the case of tobacco, it means helping smokers move away from burning tobacco toward less harmful nicotine options.

The newsletter also includes research and policy updates. One study found that global teen vaping rates are lower than often claimed, with many teens experimenting rather than using regularly. Another article says regulating heated tobacco products may reduce health risks for smokers if handled responsibly. The issue also reports on a study suggesting that smokers who switch to vaping may show healthier lifestyle patterns, such as better physical health, more exercise, and a more active social life.

• The newsletter focuses on consumer advocacy for safer nicotine products.
• Many advocacy groups are run by volunteers and former smokers.
• Safer nicotine products include e-cigarettes, snus, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products.
• GSTHR estimated that safer nicotine products are used by about 112 million people worldwide.
• The surveyed consumer groups reported no funding from tobacco or pharmaceutical companies.
• The newsletter says consumers should be included in policymaking.
• The issue discusses exclusion and criticism faced by tobacco harm reduction researchers.
• Harm reduction means reducing risk when complete stopping is difficult.
• For tobacco, harm reduction means moving smokers away from burning tobacco.
• Less harmful alternatives may help adult smokers who cannot quit.
• A study found that global teen vaping rates are lower than many reports suggest.
• The newsletter says concerns about youth vaping should be balanced with benefits for adult smokers.
• Regulating heated tobacco products may reduce risks for some smokers.
• Some studies suggest smokers who switch to vaping may show healthier lifestyle patterns.
• The issue calls for better information, balanced debate, and evidence-based policy.