GFN News

Flavors can play a key role in helping smokers switch. Many start with tobacco flavor but move to others over time — distancing themselves from the reminder of smoking. As adults, we enjoy sweets, drinks, and treats — why should quitting be any different?

The #GFN25 conference brought together some of the leading THR advocates from across the world, and in this episode of GFN Voices several of these prominent figures share their key gains and findings from this year's conference!

In this episode of GFN Voices we're joined by Dorrie Heemskerk to bring you some expert insight into efforts to counter misinformation in public policy.

In Sweden, the combination of snus and the emergence and uptake of pouches were likely key to its unparalleled achievement of smoke-free status, in November 2024. Despite these positive signs, regulators are circling, particularly in Europe, with bans either in force or planned in several member states. The panel will explore the science and evidence for pouches and discuss what steps need to be i...

In social media posts, official speeches, press releases and memorandums, WHO has repeatedly made claims which appear to contradict the evidence available, and which conflict with statements made by reputable public health institutions. Simply condemning the WHO’s science on tobacco harm reduction is not going to shift the dial. The panel will investigate the WHO’s science on THR, and address the...

#GFN25 Commentary Team #1 | How to Talk About Tobacco Harm Reduction? by GFN.TV

In this GFN Voices episode, advocates from across Latin America and the Spanish-speaking world joined us at #GFN25 to highlight the regional complexities that need to be overcome, and the ways the THR community is coming together to do just that.

Despite its aim to reduce global consumption of cigarettes, the impact of the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) on tobacco use has been heavily contested, particularly in relation to low-income countries. The panel will assess the effectiveness of the convention as it reaches its 20th anniversary, and highlight areas that need drastic change, if it is to have any future relevanc...

There are more than one billion smokers in the world and the vast majority will die prematurely because of their nicotine addiction. What most people don't know is that there is a cure: vaping. Vaping is a non-toxic way to deliver the nicotine that people need without the disease-producing byproducts of burning tobacco. Compared with cigarettes, any health risks associated with vaping are very sma...

GFN 2025 Keynote #3 - delivered by Maria Papaioannoy-Duic, hosted by Jagannath Sarangapani, response from Konstantinos Farsalinos. A consumer advocates’ approach, cutting through the noise to deliver factually accurate information about safer nicotine products is a constant struggle. Maria will present a ‘real-world how-to guide’, drawn from the lived experience of consumer advocates, identifying...

In the first episode of #GFN25 Voices, we've invited this year's in-person conference attendees to share their thoughts on the best ways to fix misperceptions about THR!

GFN 2025 Keynote #1 - delivered by Jacob Grier, hosted by Marina Murphy, response from Harry Shapiro - titled "Tobacco harm reduction and the media - evidence, narrative and consequences". Jacob will highlight how, despite positive gains made by advocates for drug harm reduction, tobacco harm reductionists face an uphill battle to be heard, let alone get the evidence across. From outdated media na...

Watch Will Godfrey’s post-#GFN25 reaction, where he underscores the critical importance of effective communication in advancing the conversation around safer nicotine products. His reflections highlight how clear, evidence-based messaging can help shift public perception, inform policy, and support harm reduction efforts on a global scale.

Michael Russell Oration 2025 - "Bridging the Divide: Taking Global Action to End Smoking" | #GFN24 by GFN.TV

Tobacco harm reduction experts from across the globe recently gathered for this year's#GFN25 conference in Warsaw, so in this special series we've put together some of THR's leading experts to highlight the communication barriers that we need to overcome to share the real science behind safer nicotine products. Joining us on the conference floor today are Clive Bates, Fiona Patten and Mark Tyndall...

GFN 2025 Keynote #1 - delivered by Mark Tyndall, hosted by Paddy Costall, response from Carolyn Beaumont - titled "What's so scary about tobacco harm reduction?". Mark will explore the lessons he has learned from the harm reduction movement, not least the way stigma experienced by people who use drugs, and moral judgements about drug-taking affect policy and political decision making. Consumer adv...

Ahead of the upcoming World Conference on Tobacco Control, leading addiction and harm reduction specialist Garrett McGovern sat down with Brent Stafford to underscore the issues with Tobacco Control's rejection of tobacco harm reduction, and why following the science is the only rational approach to public health policy.

Poland is forging ahead with new restrictions on safer nicotine products, whilst still equating vaping with smoking - is this anti-THR messaging harming efforts to reduce smoking in the country? Przemysław Bobiński of #GFN25 media partner Vapour Poland joins us to discuss this and more!

Jacob Grier offers a sneak peek of his #GFN25 keynote on how the media misrepresents tobacco harm reduction. He unpacks the narratives driving public fear, the criminalization of safer nicotine products, and the explosive growth of the illicit vape trade. As millions turn to vaping despite the headlines, is tobacco control losing its grip on the narrative? Featuring: JACOB GRIER Author, Freelance...

Despite rising smoking rates Mexico still heavily restricts access to safer nicotine products, leaving few options for Mexico's. But could healthcare professionals be the key to stem Mexico's smoking dilemma? Marcela Madrazo joins us to highlight this alternative approach to THR in Mexico.

Why does vape testing in laboratory conditions often differ so much from real-world use, and what are the factors affecting overheating and the creation of unintended byproducts?? Joining us again to explore the complex physics and chemistry behind vaping is nuclear physicist and vaping advocate Roberto Sussman.

For 11 years Thailand has enforced a strict prohibition of vapes, with the resulting crackdown allegedly pushing vapers towards the black market. But advocates have created a strong community opposed to this ban, emphasising the right of people who smoke to quit using safer nicotine products. To examine the intricacies of Thailand's vape ban, we're joined today by Asa Saligupta, a leading Thai vap...

Goldman Sachs predicts safer nicotine will overtake cigarettes in the U.S. this year. Millions have already made the switch, despite tobacco control efforts, not because of it. David Sweanor breaks down the consumer-led collapse of smoking and how it likely can’t be stopped.

In this episode of GFN News, Will Godfrey highlights a recent interview between Kiran Sidhu and renowned philosopher Dr. Sridhar Venkatapuram exploring the intersection of philosophy and public health, and the ethical support for tobacco harm reduction using safer nicotine products

Lindsey Stroud joins us for the second part of our USA special exploring the FDA's approach to safer products, and whether a change in approach is likely at the agency controlling the addition of new safer products to the market.