GFN News

From highs, such as Sweden's standout THR success in reaching smokefree status, to lows like continued opposition and misinformation from major public health bodies, 2024 has been a year of ups and downs for THR. But underlining all this news is the resounding progress consumers are making in changing perceptions of safer products - join Will Godfrey for a full rundown of this year's news in this...

Carissa Düring joins us to outline Denmark's latest restrictions targeting nicotine pouches, and highlights how Denmark's efforts compare to the tobacco harm reduction success of its neighbour Sweden.

The Mexican government is moving to enshrine a ban on nicotine vaping products into its constitution—an extraordinary overreach aimed at bypassing Mexico’s Supreme Court, which has repeatedly overturned similar bans. Critics warn this move risks driving the market underground while undermining efforts to reduce tobacco-related harm. Featuring: TOMÁS O’GORMAN Lawyer, Vaping Advocate Co-founder, Pro...

Kevin Molloy, our beloved colleague who ran the Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme from 2018 until he passed away in 2021, helped shape and mentor a new generation of tobacco harm reduction practitioners. Joining us today are Jeffrey Zamora, a film maker and THRSP Scholar, as well as Kevin's wife Anne Molloy, and Jon Derricott, Kevin's long-standing friend, to highlight Jeffrey's new fil...

Harm reduction specialist Adriana Curado joins us in this episode of #GFNInsights to highlight how frontline harm reduction interventions have positively impacted marginalised communities in Portugal.

Barlinnie prison Governor Michael Stoney joins us for the first instalment of GFN Insights, a series following the exploits of THR advocates from around the globe!

Once known as the most progressive country on vaping and tobacco harm reduction, the UK is now poised to join the ranks of nations that demonize, restrict, ban, and tax, potentially lifesaving nicotine vaping products. Why is the UK turning its back on tobacco harm reduction?

Despite all the heat and dust around nicotine vapes and other safer nicotine products, consumer adoption has skyrocketed to 140 million users worldwide, as highlighted in the newly released Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction 2024 report. Learn why tobacco harm reduction is here to stay. Featuring: HARRY SHAPIRO Lead Author, Executive Editor Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction GSTHR.org @Sha...

Switzerland is tightening up its restrictions on vaping products, bringing its policies further in line with the broader European attitude towards safer nicotine products. Joining us today is Michael Landl who provides his analysis of the latest regulatory changes and the impact they may have on vapers.

In the second part of our Czech Republic special, Filip Blaha guides us through the possible consequences of new regulations targeting psychoactive substances, and the potential for further vaping restrictions in the country. Make sure to check out our previous episode where Filip breaks down these new regulations in detail!

While the Czech Republic is introducing new measures to regulate psychoactive substances according to risk, the government is also considering harsher restrictions for safer alternatives to smoking. Filip Blaha of the Institute of Liberal Studies joins Joanna Junak to explain the proposals.

Spain's health minister recently announced a ban on disposables and flavours and advocates fear a previous proposal to ban sales online and in vape shops may also come back into play. World Vapers Alliance's Alberto Gómez Hernández gives Joanna Junak the lowdown on the proposals, explaining why advocates think it will be disastrous for public health.

The Irish government's sudden announcement of vape flavour bans, a ban on single use devices and huge tax hikes has shocked advocates. There is outrage because the public consultation had not demonstrated support for these measures. Filter's Will Godfrey reports on these policy developments and the reactions from advocates.

Tobacco harm reduction is a concept never discussed in prison, despite the toll smoking takes on inmates’ health and the lack of safer alternatives behind bars. But for those exiting the prison system, they find a new freedom in the plethora of safer nicotine options, including vaping, which offer a path to better health and control over their finances and well-being. Featuring: DR. CHRISTY PEREZ...

Sweden's government now recognises that reduced risk nicotine products are key to the country's low smoking prevalence. A new risk proportionate tobacco policy is being devised, but there is opposition. Will tobacco harm reduction be fully integrated into Swedish legislation? Stefan Matthison fills us in on the current state of play.

Canada's Minister for Health wants to ban nicotine pouches but how easy will it be to shut down the booming black market? In Part 2 of our Canada special, Maria Pappaioannoy talks to Joanna Junak about the difficulties THR advocates are facing in Canada, and why Rights for Vapers now advocates for all safer alternatives to smoking.

Whilst Canada's looming flavour ban may have been postponed, various provinces and the Minister for Health have taken action to prevent the sale of flavoured nicotine products. Joining us today is Maria Papaioannoy to highlight the adverse impact these prospective bans may have on marginalized communities in Canada, and the broader implications these actions could have on the right to health.

It’s a move that has left nicotine pouch users scrambling. In late August, Canadian Health Minister Mark Holland followed through on his March threat to severely limit the availability of nicotine pouches, citing the need to protect youth. The new restrictions ban the sale of nicotine pouches at all retail locations, allowing access only behind the pharmacy counter. As a result, thousands are now...

Despite a total ban on vapes in Brazil, even the authorities are confused about the precise regulations prohibiting vapes. Meanwhile consumers fight for regulation that will combat the risk of contraband vapes in the country. Joining us today is Alexandro Lucian, a journalist, specialist researcher in THR and president of Direta, a non-governmental consumers organisation focused on tobacco harm re...

New Zealand takes another step in its smokefree journey with its latest vaping proposals, but how will New Zealand's last minute change to these vaping restrictions impact people looking to quit smoking in the country, and will these new measures have a real-world impact on youth vaping? Joining us is Nancy Loucas who will guide us through New Zealand's latest efforts to combat youth vaping.

How Tobacco Harm Reduction is Changing Lives? | GFN Voices 2024 by GFN.TV

Medical doctor and addictions specialist Garrett McGovern warns that most people in his profession who are anti-vaping seem to want electronic cigarettes to be “more harmful” than they are and it's almost as if “they don't want them to be safe or safer.” Featuring: DR. GARRETT MCGOVERN Medical Director, Priority Medical Clinic Dublin GP Specialising in Addiction Medicine @AddictionsPMC

Glimmers of good news despite the general drift towards harsher restrictions for tobacco harm reduction.

Is Impact of Tobacco Harm Reduction Global? | GFN Voices 2024 #6 by GFN.TV

New legislation in Australia means that vapes can only be bought in pharmacies, with e-liquid only available in three flavours. What are the likely consequences of this, in a country where the black market for vaping products is already booming?