The European Commission and several EU Member States have formally reviewed the draft Royal Decree submitted by Spain which proposes modifications to Spain’s national legislation governing the manufacturing, presentation, and marketing of tobacco products and related products. This draft decree was formally notified to the Commission on January 24, 2025, utilizing the procedure established by…
As Scotland deliberates the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, the discourse surrounding nicotine pouches has intensified. Professor Linda Bauld, a leading public health expert, has weighed in on the matter, offering insights into the relative harm of nicotine pouches compared to traditional cigarettes and emphasizing the need for responsible marketing practices. Understanding the Harm Profile Professor…
The Global Institute for Novel Nicotine (GINN) is proud to announce the appointment of Joe (Youssef) Sakr as Associate Director for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This exciting addition to GINN’s leadership team underscores our commitment to advancing harm reduction and nicotine innovation in a region that is beginning to embrace the potential…
Tim Phillips, Managing Director of TobaccoIntelligence, provided an overview with a frank assessment of the challenges—and opportunities—facing novel nicotine products under the EU’s evolving Tobacco Excise Directive (TED). The Tax Credibility Paradox Phillips underscored a unique irony: while taxation is often viewed as punitive, being taxed can actually confer regulatory legitimacy. “Without excise, regulators and…
As smoking rates remain stubbornly high across much of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), health authorities and policymakers are exploring new ways to remember duce the region’s tobacco-related disease burden. One such possibility—oral nicotine pouches—is starting to enter the conversation. A recent article from Economy Middle East raises the question: Could these smoke-free…
A new study highlighted by Medical Xpress raises important questions about the role of flavors in nicotine pouches—and how they may influence the product’s appeal and addictiveness. As nicotine pouches gain traction as smoke-free alternatives, understanding these dynamics is essential for responsible public health policy. Here’s what the research shows, and why balanced regulation—not panic—is…
A major shift had been proposed for Canada’s nicotine market. The federal Conservative Party recently announced plans to end the restrictive pharmacy-only rule for nicotine pouches, aiming to open wider access to these smoke-free products for adult consumers. However, with the Liberals looking set to retain power in the upcoming federal election, the future of…
A recent article by Griffith University’s Blurred Minds Academy raises concerns about nicotine pouches, suggesting that they are being marketed in a way that appeals to minors. While protecting youth is critical, this narrative misrepresents the purpose and regulatory framework surrounding these products—and risks derailing an important harm reduction strategy for adults seeking safer alternatives…
A comprehensive new report titled “Saving Lives Like Sweden” compares the radically different public health outcomes between France and Sweden in tobacco use and harm reduction. Released by the Second Focused Study (SFS-2N) network, this study makes a powerful case for how adopting or rejecting safer nicotine alternatives directly impacts national health. A Tale of…
In a significant move towards tobacco harm reduction, Greece has emerged as the first European Union member state to permit scientifically substantiated claims regarding the reduced health risks of smoke-free alternatives. This progressive stance is part of Greece’s comprehensive National Action Plan Against Smoking, which emphasizes harm reduction alongside prevention, cessation support, and protection from…