Nicotine ban proposal heads to UN vote amid debate over addiction harm
9 reported
The nation of Palau has tasked the World Health Organization expert committee on drug dependence with reviewing nicotine, which will lead to a UN vote likely in 2028 on banning it worldwide. The case partly relies on deciding whether addiction and dependence themselves, in the absence of other major health consequences, are harmful. The Guardian editorial notes that while smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death worldwide, tobacco-free nicotine products such as vapes and nicotine pouches have exploded in popularity over the past two decades. A recent Royal College of Physicians report in the UK found that current evidence suggests nicotine itself confers little risk to health. However, a WHO report found that children on average are nine times more likely than adults to vape, and nicotine is proven to be harmful to adolescent brain development. The editorial argues for a middle ground, citing Quebec’s ban on flavoured vapes and limits on nicotine pouch sales to pharmacies, while noting that the UK smoking ban coming into effect next year will also restrict e-cigarette displays and advertising.
What’s reported
Palau has tasked the WHO expert committee on drug dependence with reviewing nicotine, leading to a UN vote likely in 2028 on banning it worldwide.
Smoking is still the leading cause of preventable death worldwide.
A recent Cochrane review found people who switch to vaping are twice as likely to quit smoking.
A recent Royal College of Physicians report in the UK found “current evidence suggests nicotine itself confers little risk to health.”
A WHO report found children on average are nine times more likely than adults to vape.
Nicotine is proven to be harmful to adolescent brain development.
The UK did not have vape-specific legislation until 2016; the previous law covered tobacco only.
The UK smoking ban coming into effect next year will also restrict e-cigarette displays and advertising.
Quebec has fully banned flavoured vapes and limits the sale of nicotine pouches to pharmacies.
Key figures
Gro Harlem Brundtland, former head of the World Health Organization (quoted from 2000)
Palau (nation that submitted the review request)
Sources: The Guardian
