CloudTalk: A Harm Reduction Bulletin
Hello vape world!
Welcome to the inaugural edition of my biweekly harm reduction newsletter, "CloudTalk."?
Every two weeks, I aim to provide you with a comprehensive review of the latest news, insights, and scientific breakthroughs in the realm of harm reduction and vaping.
In recent weeks, the World Vapers' Alliance has actively engaged with policymakers and the public. First, we attended the SPD summer party in Berlin, which was a golden opportunity to bridge a dialogue with the key decision-makers about the importance of harm reduction, vaping, and the crucial role flavours play in helping smokers switch to safer alternatives.?
Following Berlin, we went on to Zagreb, where we continued our discussions on harm reduction and vaping with local Members of Parliament. These face-to-face engagements are invaluable in driving forward a sensible, science-backed approach to public health policies.
As World Vapers’ Alliance, we are committed to fostering an informed debate and providing you with science-backed insights to navigate the world of smoking alternatives.
Here's what we've got lined up for you this week:
?? Top News Story:
Sweden’s new taxation policy is an exemplary move in fast-tracking the country even further towards its smoke-free target, by making less harmful alternatives like snus more accessible through tax reductions!
On track to achieve a smoking rate below 5%, Sweden has taken yet another progressive step in the realm of harm reduction, solidifying its leadership role among the EU countries. Last week, the Swedish government announced its plan to reduce the tax on snus, a smokeless tobacco product, by 20% while increasing the tax on cigarettes and smoking tobacco by 9%.
??From the Desk of WVA:
Norway is on the path to banning flavoured e-liquids, while Israel is also tightening its grip on vaping—moves that both dismiss scientific evidence (see below) and overlook consumer experiences. The World Vapers' Alliance has actively submitted consultation responses in both countries, challenging these one-sided regulatory approaches. We urge you to lend your voice to the cause and submit your own consultation responses!
领英推荐
Here’s how you can still participate in the Norwegian public consultation:
??Spotlight on Science:
A landmark study in The Lancet’s eClinical Medicine reveals that e-cigarettes aid in quitting smoking and play a vital role in reducing harm from combustible cigarette use. This is the largest e-cigarette clinical trial in the U.S. to date. The study uniquely demonstrates the real-world effectiveness of e-cigarettes in both quitting and reducing more harmful tobacco use.
?
??Twitterverse Spotlight:
The American Lung Association's stance that smokers shouldn't be informed about the relatively lower risk of vaping compared to smoking is deeply problematic. This approach stifles informed decision-making and perpetuates misinformation that could keep people bound to more harmful cigarettes. By withholding or obscuring data about less harmful alternatives, the organisation may unintentionally deter smokers from transitioning to potentially less damaging options, thus negatively affecting public health.
Thank you for being part of our growing community dedicated to science-backed policies and harm reduction strategies. I hope you've found this edition both insightful and informative. Your voice is essential in this ongoing conversation, so I encourage you to share your thoughts, questions, or articles you'd like us to feature in future editions.
Until next time, and let's pave the way for a safer, healthier future.
Best Regards,
Michael