Harm reduction

Pouch patrol have previously reported on the concerning attempts by the EU Commission to push its own agenda ahead of COP10, putting democratic principles at risk. These actions undermine the fundamental principle that EU decisions should be made with respect for the rights of member states and the democratic representation of citizens. This is turn poses a threat toward alternative nicotine products, and in turn the public health of Europe.

Unintended consequences have become apparent with the introduction of flavor restrictions on e-cigarettes. Despite initial intentions to reduce tobacco smoking, the consumption of traditional cigarettes has increased. This underscores the need for well-informed and evidence-based tobacco regulation with risk reduction as a central part of the strategy.

According to an article on the Norwegian news outlet Nettavisen, the Norwegian public health authority has failed in its demands for independence in its research. They have attempted to establish a link between snus and cancer, something that is now criticized by researchers for being a biased and ethically questionable approach to research.

Ahead of the tenth session of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (COP10), the participating parties will decide on the future direction of tobacco policy – and it doesn’t look promising for nicotine pouches and smoking alternatives.

Several members of the European Parliament have proposed amendments to a draft report on non-communicable diseases. The amendments primarily focus on urging the European Commission to expedite and prevent any delays in the ongoing review of the tobacco legislative framwork, to include the objective of the European Beating Cancer Plan, and to follow up on […]

The Finnish government has decided to regulate nicotine pouches under the tobacco law, which could mean that nicotine pouches will be subject to the same price and flavour restrictions as cigarettes.

According to a recently published international study that examines physicians’ attitudes towards nicotine, nearly 80 percent of surveyed doctors believe that nicotine causes diseases such as cancer. This misconception needs to be addressed in order for doctors to provide accurate advice to their patients.

A recent study conducted in Norway suggests that tobacco snus is the most potent aid for individuals aiming to quit smoking. The research was led by Ingeborg Lund and Marianne Lund, both affiliated with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

After weeks of negotiations, Finland’s new government has announced its government programme. The coalition government plans to regulate nicotine pouches and align them under the Tobacco Act. With this change, the government seeks to control the sale of nicotine pouches with the objective of preventing use among youths, curtailing grey market imports, and combating illegal trade.