America’s tobacco policy has turned self-destructive. Safer nicotine products are demonized and restricted while combustible cigarettes remain widely available. In this GFN interview, Michelle Minton of the Reason Foundation explains how fear, ideology, and institutional incentives replaced evidence in U.S. tobacco control—pushing consumers back toward smoking and undermining one of the greatest public-health opportunities of our time.

Featuring:

MICHELLE MINTON

Managing Director, Drug Policy

Reason Foundation

reason.org

@michelleminton

Looking ahead to 2026, Nick "GrimmGreen" Green and Professor Tikki Pang share their hopes and predictions for tobacco harm reduction worldwide. From clear, science-based messaging about vaping and nicotine pouches to the dangers of prohibition and illicit products, they discuss what changes are needed - and what might realistically happen. Discover their insights on creating safer alternatives and amplifying the voice of harm reduction in public health.

In 2025, the world saw both progress and setbacks in tobacco control. Sweden became officially smoke-free through effective risk-reduction policies, while Mexico implemented strict bans on vaping and harm-reduction tools, fueling black markets and uncertainty. Meanwhile, countries like Chile are leading the way with regulations that recognize safer alternatives.

In this video, experts Carmen Escrig and Ian Fearon discuss the global shift in tobacco harm reduction and the fight against prohibitionist policies. From Spain to the UK, brave policymakers are challenging outdated laws and advocating for science-based regulations that save lives.

As we look toward 2026, there is hope for a world where adult smokers have safer alternatives and governments prioritize public health over ideology and lobbying. Discover the challenges, victories, and the growing momentum for change in tobacco regulation worldwide.

A powerful closing address from David Sweanor, a pioneering public health lawyer, delivered at the 12th Global Forum on Nicotine (GFN). In this concluding keynote, he reflects on the diverse perspectives within the tobacco harm reduction community, the challenges posed by opposition to new technologies, and the global momentum toward reduced-risk nicotine products. David highlights historical patterns of resistance to innovation, the importance of genuine public health principles, and the accelerating shift away from combustible cigarettes worldwide. An inspiring call to action for advocates, researchers, consumers, and industry leaders working toward a smoke-free future.

Global Forum on Nicotine 2025 Closing remarks by David Sweanor by GFN.TV

As policymakers look ahead to 2026, experts from Ireland and the United States share one clear hope for tobacco harm reduction: protect vape flavors.

In this discussion, Dr. Garrett McGovern and AG Tom Miller explains why flavors are critical to keeping adults away from smoking - and why banning them could backfire, leading to higher cigarette use, including among youth. He argues that enforcing age restrictions, not eliminating flavors, is the real solution.

U.S. perspectives echo this view, calling for regulatory clarity, approval of reduced-risk alternatives, and public health efforts that move smokers away from combustible tobacco.

As 2026 approaches, policymakers face a critical choice: continue repeating failed tobacco strategies or finally listen to science, consumers, and real-world evidence. In this discussion, Fiona Patten and Fernando Bueno examine why Australia’s tobacco tax revenue has collapsed, how harm reduction products like vaping are being wrongly regulated, and what countries like Sweden and New Zealand have done differently to dramatically cut smoking rates. The message is clear: less ideology, more evidence and a smarter, risk-based approach to public health.

Discover how oral nicotine pouches could represent the next frontier in tobacco harm reduction, with a deep dive into their chemistry, toxicology, and real-world use data compared with cigarettes and traditional snus. In this Science Lab session, Chris presents new evidence on toxicant reduction, biomarkers of exposure and potential harm, pharmacokinetics, and user behavior across different markets, followed by an engaging Q&A on addiction, product satisfaction, and study design.

Join us for a fast-moving roundup of the most significant tobacco harm reduction developments of 2025. From FCTC COP11 controversies and global bans to new scientific insights, advocacy efforts, and major policy shifts, Will Godfrey breaks down the year’s biggest stories. Discover where progress is being made, where setbacks continue, and how real-world consumers are shaping the future of safer nicotine.