GFN News

The session will explore the economic dimensions of prohibition through a political economy lens. Drawing on data and insights from multiple markets, it considers how regulatory actions may influence consumer behaviour, demand across product categories and public perceptions. It will also examine potential fiscal effects and the dynamics of illicit trade in response to prohibition. Bringing together policy, data, and market insight, this session explores how prohibition shapes real-world outcomes for consumers, governments, and public health.

Over seven out of every ten vapes sold worldwide now come from the illicit market. Worth an astounding $47 billion USD annually, the global black market for vaping products accounts for 76% of all vapes sold, dwarfing the legal trade and proving restrictions largely ineffective. Shot on location at GFN 2026 in Warsaw, Poland, Shane MacGuill of Euromonitor International explains how taxes, restrictions, product bans, and regulatory barriers are driving consumers into illicit markets around the world. Featuring: SHANE MACGUILL Global Lead, Nicotine & Cannabis Euromonitor International euromonitor.com @ShaneMacGuill

Safer nicotine products are increasingly popular for assisting those quitting smoking. Evidence continues to support the game-changing effect this can have on individual and community health. Some questions emerge from this. What should be the role of public health in this? Why do some public health professionals continue to ignore or dismiss the emerging evidence? Does ideology cloud judgements? Should personal choice and freedom be a priority? What legitimate role is there for regulation in this area?

How does prohibition of safer alternatives square with the Hippocratic oath? What are the ethics of accepting smokers' lives and wellbeing as collateral damage, in pursuit of the war on the nicotine industries? Why is giving alternatives to people who misuse substances viewed differently to permitting people who smoke access to less harmful alternatives? Supported by evidence from work successfully debunking bad science, including exposing research claims correlating viral TikTok videos about nicotine pouches to sales. Shouldn't we allow people to make informed judgements about their behaviour and their health?

THR Unfiltered #1 | Navigating the prohibitionist landscape of THR in the States by GFN.TV

What happens when governments ignore science and choose outright prohibition over evidence-based public health? In this panel discussion, international experts and harm-reduction advocates break down the global shift toward nicotine prohibition and the severe, unintended consequences of banning safer nicotine alternatives.

In this compelling presentation, Dr. Alex Wodak explores the inevitable and rapid shift from combustible tobacco to safer nicotine alternatives. Moving beyond just the obvious health benefits, Dr. Wodak dives deep into the broader impact of these disruptive technologies and outlines why harm reduction advocates are crucial in shaping future legislation. Welcome to the "post-smoking world"—and how we navigate the transition. In this video, you’ll learn: - why safer nicotine products are set to completely displace smoking soon; - the multi-layered impact of tobacco harm reduction (beyond just physical health); - the vital role advocates play in upcoming legislative battles.

What happens when governments implement blanket bans on Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) products? In this insightful panel discussion, experts from around the world expose the dangerous, unintended consequences of over-regulation and prohibition - what moderator John Fell calls the "invisible foot." From street-level corruption to billion-dollar criminal enterprises, our panel explores how prohibition fails to stop consumer demand and instead directly fuels global organized crime.

Is public health losing its way? In his 13th presentation at the Global Forum on Nicotine (GFN), Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos delivers a powerful address on the "ideological war" surrounding tobacco harm reduction. As supranational organizations and regulatory bodies lean heavily toward dogmatic prohibitions and restrictive frameworks, Dr. Farsalinos argues that the foundational principles of true public health—empathy, compassion, and human autonomy—are being left behind in favor of a moralistic "quit or die" agenda. Tune in to discover why defending science-backed, safer alternatives isn't just a matter of medicine and epidemiology, but a fundamental fight for human rights and personal freedom.

In this episode, researcher Chimwemwe Ngoma breaks down a comprehensive national study analyzing the tobacco use patterns of over 30,500 adults. While an overwhelming 95% of Malawians do not use tobacco, the data reveals a stark socioeconomic divide: smoking prevalence among the poorest communities is double that of the wealthiest. Tune in to discover how factors like education and wealth influence the choice between combustible, smokeless, and dual tobacco use, and why the heaviest health burden falls on the most disadvantaged.

The battle over safer nicotine products is certainly about health, but it’s also about something more important: autonomy. As governments embrace nicotine restrictions driven by moral panic and public health paternalism, adult choice is increasingly treated as a threat instead of a right to be respected. In this episode of GFN Interviews, Reem Ibrahim of Reason examines the growing conflict between individual freedom and population-level control. From disposable vape bans and black markets to anti-capitalist hostility toward tobacco harm reduction, Ibrahim argues public health is drifting toward prohibition and away from the people it claims to protect. Featuring: REEM IBRAHIM Research Fellow, Policy & Media, Reason Magazine @reemamiribrahim reemabrahim.com

What does it take to implement life-saving public health programs in the Middle East and Africa? In this episode of GFN Insights, Amjad Malaeb from MENAHRA shares the critical challenges and breakthroughs of harm reduction in this region. In this interview, public health expert Amjad Malaeb dives into his five-year journey working with the Middle East and North Africa Harm Reduction Association (MENAHRA). Amjad discusses how the organization has expanded its scope from HIV-focused harm reduction for people who use drugs to a holistic healthcare approach addressing tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis. Discover the harsh realities of navigating complex political and security landscapes, the critical role of stakeholder and community engagement, and how the Global Fund MENA Learning Hub is empowering local communities with essential knowledge.

Is the UK’s "smoke-free generation" plan destined to backfire? In this episode of GFN News, host Zuzanna Kopacz sits down with author and freelance writer Jacob Grier to unpack the practical realities and hidden dangers of the newly passed UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill. While the policy aims to create a smoke-free generation by phasing out legal tobacco sales for anyone born after 2009, Grier argues that the legislation ignores the needs of current smokers. Worse yet, by introducing sweeping bans on vape advertising and targeting alternative nicotine flavors, the bill threatens to shut down the very pathways that help smokers successfully switch to lower-risk harm reduction products.

Despite low female smoking rates in the country, women face unique, hidden challenges when trying to access safer nicotine alternatives. Hannah shares her personal and professional motivations for bringing these voices to light , highlighting the critical gaps in policy, education, and market regulation that leave Malawian women behind.

Twenty years after the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control came into force, has the treaty lost its way? According to Jeannie Cameron, the answer is yes. Cameron is a tobacco policy expert with a background in international law who observed the FCTC negotiations from the beginning. She says a treaty once focused on reducing smoking-related disease has morphed into a global system hostile to tobacco harm reduction. From NGO influence and prohibitionist thinking to the demonization of safer nicotine products, tobacco control has drifted far from its original purpose and now risks lives. Featuring: JEANNIE CAMERON CEO/Managing Dir., JCIC International Consultancy Fmr. V.P. International, Juul Labs Fmr. Head of International Advocacy, BAT @JCICJeannie

In this episode of GFN News, we sit down with Kurt Yeo to discuss the launch of THR Global, a new platform designed to bridge the gap between personal experience and policy-grade evidence. Kurt shares his powerful "Building Block" analogy, explaining why a "giant bag" of random testimonials often fails to move the needle. By extracting specific data points - like smoking history, failed quit attempts, and product usage - THR Global is turning individual stories into a structured, global evidence base that policy makers can no longer overlook.

Miguel Garcia, the founder of THR News, breaks down the critical state of tobacco harm reduction (THR) in Mexico. Facing a "rain of disinformation" and a constitutional prohibition on vaping, Miguel explains why providing evidence-based information is more than a choice - it's a necessity for public health.

Today we explore the rise of harm reduction across the Middle East and North Africa through the story of MENAHRA and the activists, healthcare workers, and organizations fighting stigma, HIV, and outdated drug policies. In regions where addiction and public health issues are often heavily stigmatized, harm reduction became more than healthcare — it became a movement for human rights and survival.

For too long, the voices of nicotine consumers have been sidelined, silenced, or willfully excluded from the global policy stage. From WHO COP meetings to local regulations, the people most impacted by these decisions are often the only ones without a seat at the table. In this episode of GFN News, Zuzanna Kopacz speaks with Will Godfrey, Editor of Filter, about the launch of THR Global. This new platform is more than just a website—it is a mission to reclaim the narrative through the power of lived experience.

In a years-long campaign to eradicate smoking, Australia’s tobacco control establishment has lost all control of the nicotine market. Former law enforcement officer Rohan Pike says 70–80% of the tobacco market is now illicit, while roughly 95% of vaping has been pushed into criminal hands. The founder of Australia’s first Tobacco Strike Team explains how excessive taxes, vape prohibition, and policy denial empowered organized crime. Featuring: ROHAN PIKE Illicit Trade Advisor, Sr. Australian Federal Police Officer, Founder, Tobacco Strike Team pikeconsulting.com.au

In this episode of GFN Insights, we sit down with Marceline Akinyi to discuss the complex landscape of nicotine education and public health in Kenya. As the country faces a wave of product bans, Marceline highlights a dangerous gap between academic research and public understanding.

In this episode of GFN Insights, Jon Derricott from Knowledge Action Change (KAC) joins Joanna Junak to discuss the development of the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction (GSTHR) image library. Hosted on Flickr, this unique initiative aims to document the rapidly evolving world of tobacco and nicotine products. From modern vape shops to traditional tobacconists and local products like gutka or negrimbo, the library serves as a vital, royalty-free resource for activists, journalists, and presenters worldwide.

One of the world’s leading harm reduction advocates sees disaster unfolding in Australia. Sky-high tobacco taxes and sweeping restrictions on nicotine vaping were meant to reduce harm—but instead, they’ve fueled a booming illicit market, siphoned billions in public revenue, and triggered a wave of violence tied to organized crime. In this GFN Interviews, Dr. Alex Wodak explains how Australia’s approach has veered into “quasi prohibition,” driving demand into the black market and overwhelming enforcement. Featuring: DR. ALEX WODAK Physician, Internal Medicine Former Director, Alcohol and Drug Services St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney Board Member, Australian THR Association @AlexWodak

In this episode of GFN News, Joanna Junak sits down with Will Godfrey, Executive Editor of Filter, to dissect the latest findings from the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS). While public health agencies have long warned of a youth vaping "epidemic," the actual data reveals a startling and positive trend that many organizations seem reluctant to celebrate. In this interview, we cover: - The Record Lows: Why youth smoking in the U.S. has plummeted to a historic 0.2%—and why there was no "fanfare" from the CDC or FDA. - Debunking the "Gateway" Theory: How a decade of data shows that vaping has likely displaced smoking rather than encouraged it. - The Politics of Panic: A look at how "moral panic" and agency narratives often overshadow inconvenient truths about safer nicotine alternatives. - Common Liability: Understanding why researchers believe the correlation between vaping and smoking is misunderstood by mainstream tobacco control. As youth smoking rates hit unprecedented lows, we ask: Why are the entities tasked with protecting public health stoking alarmism instead of acknowledging this historic decline?

Is the EU ignoring the most effective tool to end smoking? In this episode of GFN News, Joanna Junak sits down with renowned physician and public health researcher Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos to discuss his latest review on nicotine pouches. As smoking rates across the globe remain a primary public health concern, Dr. Farsalinos argues that we are overlooking a "promising harm-reduction option" that could save millions of lives.

Is the UK at a "regulatory crossroads"? As the Tobacco and Vapes Bill moves toward Royal Assent, a new government consultation threatens to legally ban vaping in all indoor spaces where smoking is already prohibited. In this interview, Bernice Evans, Chair of the New Nicotine Alliance (NNA), joins us to discuss the launch of the "Save Vaping" campaign. We dive deep into why treating vaping the same as smoking isn't just scientifically flawed—it's a massive risk to public health. - May 8, 2026 (11:59 PM): Deadline to submit your response to the government consultation. - October 1, 2026: New vaping taxes and business regulations are set to begin. Take Action: Your voice matters! Visit SaveVaping.org to find resources on how to respond to the consultation and contact your MP. Don't let misinformed legislation undermine years of progress in harm reduction.

Australia’s vape crackdown was supposed to curb youth use—but in practice, it has created prohibition by proxy. While still legal, access to nicotine vapes is tightly controlled and choice is so severely limited that over 90% of all vapes in Australia are purchased on the black market. In this episode of GFN Interviews, Australian GP Dr. Carolyn Beaumont examines how this system frustrates access to safer nicotine—from restrictive product approvals to medical guidelines that offer little real support for harm reduction. Featuring: DR. CAROLYN BEAUMONT, MD Australian General Practitioner/Family Physician

In this episode of the Science Series, Roberto Sussman breaks down why many lab studies on e‑cigarette emissions can’t be trusted—and how bad testing setups can create misleading “high toxin” results. He explains the “optimal regime” for vaping devices (power, resistance, airflow), why reproducibility requires full reporting of test conditions, and how unrealistic puffing machines can cause overheating and artificially inflate byproducts. You’ll also learn why using obsolete devices (or poorly stored old hardware) ruins conclusions, and how a common toxicology mistake—calculating concentrations in the puff volume instead of the air a person actually inhales—can overestimate exposure by 10–20×. Roberto shares a simple traffic‑light approach to grading studies (green/credible, yellow/questionable, red/reject) and why the most alarming results often come from the weakest methodologies.

“Why have some studies reported enormous amounts of formaldehyde and metals in vaping emissions?” In this episode of Science Series with Roberto Sussman, we break down how those scary numbers can come from bad experimental conditions—especially overheating setups that don’t reflect how people actually vape. Roberto explains why “micrograms per puff” can be misleading, how to translate emissions into realistic daily exposure (based on typical puff counts), and how those totals should be compared against toxicological standards published by regulators. You’ll also hear why properly designed tests tend to find toxic byproducts far below cigarette smoke—and often below common benchmarks, with a reality-check comparison to everyday aerosols and even air pollution exposure.

Governments insist their nicotine policies are “evidence-based.” But a closer look reveals cherry-picked findings, flawed comparisons, and sensational claims that don’t withstand scrutiny. In this GFN interviews, independent tobacco scientist Dr. Ian Fearon explains how weak research and distorted interpretations shape global nicotine policy. From the misuse of correlation to media amplification of questionable studies, Fearon shows how flawed science fuels prohibitionist thinking—leaving smokers misinformed about safer alternatives that could reduce the harms of smoking. Featuring: DR. IAN FEARON Director, Independent Research Scientist whatIF? Consulting, UK

In this episode of GFN News, Joanna Junak speaks with Will Godfrey of Filter about Germany’s proposed regulation to ban flavoured e-liquids containing cooling agents. The draft measure would prohibit menthol and other “iced” vape products that rely on cooling additives. Supporters of the proposal, including Germany’s Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, argue that cooling effects may make vaping easier to inhale and potentially increase nicotine intake - particularly among young and inexperienced users.

#GFN25 Science Discussion #17 | How to Avoid Pitfalls in Observational E-Cigarette Health Research by GFN.TV

In this episode, we unpack the hidden environmental cost of vaping - from millions of discarded devices and batteries to ecosystem contamination - and why awareness isn’t translating into action. The conversation highlights a major gap: many users recognize the harm, but far fewer know how (or where) to recycle, and only a minority actually do. We also explore what could change the outcome: clearer product labeling, education that’s practical (not fear-based), better recycling infrastructure, and shared responsibility between governments, manufacturers, retailers, and users—moving toward a circular-economy approach to nicotine products.

In this GFN News interview, Aylen Van Isseldyk (creator of the global research project Circular Vape Recycling) explains the hidden environmental impact of vaping devices—from hard-to-degrade plastics and lithium batteries to the structural barriers that make e-cigarette recycling so difficult. ​ We also discuss why awareness alone isn’t enough, what manufacturers and institutions can do (eco-design, modular/reusable devices, and extended producer responsibility), and how users can help by returning devices to collection points and choosing more sustainable options.

Join us at the Global Forum on Nicotine 2026 in Warsaw and be part of the only truly open conference on safer nicotine, tobacco harm reduction and the real impacts of prohibition on public health. Hear leading scientists, clinicians, ethicists and advocates discuss social, health and economic consequences of bans, explore strategies to reach marginalized groups, and discover the latest research in our popular Science Lab sessions. Keynotes from pioneers like Dr Alex Wodak and other international experts, plus multilingual streaming and a dedicated Spanish-language session, make GFN 2026 a must-attend event for anyone serious about nicotine policy and harm reduction. ​ Ready to join the discussion? Visit GFN.EVENTS to register!

Public health says it wants to end smoking. Yet from London to Brussels, policymakers are advancing measures that treat safer nicotine like combustible tobacco—through high taxes, public bans, and regulatory equalization. In the UK, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill hands sweeping powers to the Secretary of State. In the EU, new tax schemes could bind member states and redirect national excise revenue to Brussels. In this GFN interviews, Martin Cullip argues these measures converge into what he calls “pro-smoking” policy—undermining harm reduction, eroding national sovereignty, and putting millions of adult consumers across Europe at risk. Featuring: MARTIN CULLIP Intl. Fellow, Taxpayers Protection Alliance protectingtaxpayers.org @Protectaxpayers @NannyFreeState

UK disposable vape ban: what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what’s next? In this episode of GFN News, Joanna Junak speaks with John Dunne (UK Vaping Industry Association) about how the market is responding to new regulation - rising black market activity, the shift from disposables to pod/open-tank systems, and why consumer behavior (including recycling) is still a challenge. They also address public confusion about relative harm compared to smoking, concerns around youth uptake, and why nicotine pouches may grow as an alternative in places where vaping isn’t practical.

#GFN25 Science Discussion #16 | Use Studies Demonstrating the Significant THR Potential of blu Vapes by GFN.TV

In this episode of Science Series with Roberto Sussman, we tackle a deceptively simple question: how do you determine optimal vaping settings in a laboratory? Roberto explains why machine “puffing” can produce unrealistic overheating conditions that real users would immediately avoid (too hot, bad taste), and how that can distort measurements and conclusions in some studies. We also cover the “dry puff”/dry heat phenomenon, why airflow and power settings matter, and how modern devices differ from early closed “cigalike” systems.

In today's Science Lab session, Sam Hampsher-Monk (ARAC), explores how person-centered thinking applies to the global nicotine and tobacco policy landscape. He explains how effective harm reduction depends not only on the availability of safer alternatives but also on consistent, evidence-based public health messaging. #GFN25ScienceLab

Todd Prochnau presents a pharmacist's review of Canadian guidance on alcohol consumption and how the principles of patient-centred care and informed decision making can be applied to both alcohol and nicotine products.

Sweden’s smoke-free success is often credited to snus, but that’s only half the story. While snus appealed to many men looking to quit smoking, for women the smell, taste, and feel left something to be desired. For years, women were left without a viable alternative. That changed with nicotine pouches. Tobacco-free, discreet, and socially acceptable, they became the missing solution. In this GFN Interviews, Carissa Düring explains why nicotine pouches didn’t just complement the Sweden Model, they completed it, delivering the silver bullet public health refuses to acknowledge. Featuring: CARISSA DÜRING Director, Considerate Pouchers Sweden Consumer Advocate consideratepouchers.org @carissaduring

In this video, Joanna Junak speaks with Juan José Cirión Lee, president of Mexico y el Mundo Vapeando, about the growing restrictions on vaping in Mexico. They discuss how the new ban impacts harm reduction efforts, limits public access to information, and challenges organizations working to support smokers seeking alternatives. Hear firsthand insights on the future of vaping, public health policy, and advocacy in an increasingly restrictive environment.

In this episode of GFN News, we break down Mexico’s strict new regulations on vaping, including bans on marketing, sales, and imports—and the possibility of prison sentences for violations. Joined by Juan José Cirión Lee, a legal expert and advocate for harm reduction, the discussion explores what the law actually allows, what remains unclear, and how these changes could impact consumers and public health. Is vaping truly illegal in Mexico, or is it still a legal gray area? Watch to understand the real implications of this controversial policy shift.

Bangladesh has introduced sweeping new restrictions on nicotine products, including vapes and pouches - extending penalties even to personal use. In this interview, Will Godfrey of Filter breaks down what the law means, its public health implications, and why critics warn it could fuel illicit markets and harsher enforcement.

#GFN25 Science Discussion #13 | HTP Use Patterns and verified smoking status in HTP customers by GFN.TV

Behavioral science consultant Arielle Selya joins GFN News to discuss her new YouTube channel and why she’s breaking down tobacco harm reduction research. From misperceptions about vaping to the gateway hypothesis, she explains what the science actually shows—and how studies are often misrepresented.

A massive opportunity to reduce smoking-related death is being squandered. In this episode of GFN Interviews, cardiometabolic physician Dr. Rohan Sequeira examines how public health distorts the public’s understanding of nicotine and risk. With South Asia bearing an enormous tobacco burden, he explains why traditional cessation approaches are failing, why safer nicotine products matter, and how misinformation continues to block harm reduction. Featuring: DR. ROHAN SEQUEIRA Cardio Metabolic Physician, Non-Invasive Cardiology Medical Director, St. Elizabeth Hospital Mumbai @rohseq

In our next Science Lab session Dr Marewa Glover presents the key findings of the Voices of the 5% Study, a 4-year longitudinal qualitative study of New Zealand adults who used vapes but had no intention of quitting smoking.

In Part 2, Bengt Wiberg explains why EU nicotine policy should be science-based, not political. Drawing on Sweden’s success, he challenges cancer myths, youth claims, and makes the case for smart regulation to reduce smoking and save lives.