GFN•TV: News and Interviews

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
Journalist, Theologian (aka C. Dreams)
Contributing Writer, Filter
@UnCagedCritique
filtermag.org

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 without access to this critical safer nicotine product.

Featuring:
Frank Parker
Public Affairs Consultant
Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocate

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 reduction, to bring us all the latest updates from Brazil!

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.

Experts dive deep into the connections between health, economics, and tobacco harm reduction. Discover how the economic burden of smoking affects individuals and societies, and how harm reduction products provide a solution for smokers—especially in low- and middle-income countries.