Their Favorite Enemy

The coronavirus pandemic could have been a chance for public health authorities and governments to promote tobacco harm reduction (THR). Instead, they resorted to well-known, tried-yet-unproven remedies, restricting sales channels or banning tobacco products altogether. Based on the assumption, not scientific evidence, that people who smoke or vape may be at greater risk for Covid-19, anti-tobacco campaigners considered the pandemic (...)

2020-07-02
tobaccoreporter.com

Tobacco Companies Are Developing COVID-19 Vaccines

The properties of the tobacco plant, or Nicotiana tabacum, have been well known among researchers for decades, earning it the nickname “the lab mouse of the plant world.” Plant-based vaccines can copy viruses, allowing the body’s immune system to recognize them and create an immune response. Kentucky BioProcessing (KBP), a subsidiary of British American Tobacco (BAT), might seem a surprising contender for a COVID-19 vaccine, but it’s working on one using tobacco plants. According to BAT, this method can reduce the time required to reproduce vaccines from several (...)

2020-07-02
insidesources.com

Why Australia’s Draconian Vaping Policies Deserve Condemnation

Nicotine use rights and having the ability to have access to risk-reduced products as an alternative to cigarettes should be a no-brainer for the country’s so-called world-renowned tobacco control efforts. It’s ironic, though, that even when delays in policy are announced, you still can expect the policies and programs to have a “soft launch” that can be felt almost immediately. In an ideal scenario, barring labelling and plain-packaging regulations, the best course of action would (...)

2020-07-02
spectator.com.au

Pod-Based E-Cigarettes Efficiently Addictive

JUUL and similar pod-based e-cigarettes’ efficient delivery of nicotine may foster greater dependence than other types of e-cigarettes, according to a new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The pod-based e-cigarettes have been popular with teenagers and young adults since they came on the market in 2015, but little has been known about their health effects. A new systematic review led by researchers at the Harvard Chan School found that while the products may contain lower levels of harmful ingredients than conventional cigarettes, there is no evidence that even these lower levels are safe for youth. This is the first paper to synthesize research findings on (...)

2020-07-02
news.harvard.edu

Vaping 'Victory' is Far From a Win, Just Another LNP Con

While it may appear the Government is working in favour of vape users, a closer look at their planned restrictions reveals the opposite, writes Chris Mordd Richards. Vapers – the vast majority who used it or are using it as a method to quit traditional forms of smoking – rightly panicked and flooded suppliers with orders, selling out many popular providers, especially in New Zealand. Four days after the initial announcement, the health minister publicly backed down. The vapers had won, essentially nothing more to see here. That is according to at least one politician and at least one New Zealand vaping supplier, among others declaring an outright win. So why is everyone declaring victory suddenly?

2020-07-02
independentaustralia.net

Samrat Chowdhery Appointed as INNCO President

India’s eminent harm reduction advocate Samrat Chowdhery has been appointed as the President of the International Network of Nicotine Consumer Organizations (INNCO), a global body of 34 national advocacy groups which has been recognized with UN observer status. INNCO represents consumers of low-risk, alternative nicotine products, and promotes tobacco harm reduction (THR) at the global stage. The organization actively works on engaging consumers in the global THR discussions. In the process, it develops and strengthens member organizations of the community.

2020-07-02
apnnews.com