Smoking

HEALTH GROUPS STRANGELY OPPOSE EFFECTIVE AND PROVEN SMOKING CESSATION PRODUCTS

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Nicotine, Smoking, Herbal cigarette, Smoke, Heart, Federation, Stroke, American Cancer Society, Organization, Canadian Lung Association, Tobacco, History, Smoker

TORONTO, Feb. 21, 2024 /CNW/ - Public health groups across the country have found a new enemy in their war on nicotine: smoking cessation products.

Key Points: 
  • TORONTO, Feb. 21, 2024 /CNW/ - Public health groups across the country have found a new enemy in their war on nicotine: smoking cessation products.
  • These so-called health groups are pushing to make life saving products harder to buy and less appealing than cigarettes.
  • Shouldn't they be making sure that smoking cessation products are available to adults who smoke and easy for them to purchase?"
  • We will fight for all kinds of effective smoking cessation products."

The Cannabis Freedom Party Urges Biden Administration to Stop Lying to the American People

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Smoking, Social media, Congress, CFP, Policy, Drug

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cannabis Freedom Party (CFP), the leading political action committee dedicated to cannabis reform, expressed profound disappointment in Vice President Kamala Harris' recent campaign video touting the administration's alleged cannabis policy reform at the federal level.  On Feb. 9th, her office released a video on the social media platform X stating "we changed federal marijuana policy because nobody should have to go to jail for smoking weed."   The administration's claims can only be classified as a blatant and staggering falsehood.

Key Points: 
  • LAS VEGAS, Feb. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cannabis Freedom Party (CFP), the leading political action committee dedicated to cannabis reform, expressed profound disappointment in Vice President Kamala Harris' recent campaign video touting the administration's alleged cannabis policy reform at the federal level.
  •   The administration's claims can only be classified as a blatant and staggering falsehood.
  • "We call on President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to live up to their administration's promises and work with Congress to actually implement comprehensive cannabis policy reform.
  • The CFP urges the Biden Administration to prioritize cannabis reform by supporting legislative efforts aimed at rescheduling marijuana at the federal level, going well beyond the handful of expungements of past cannabis convictions, and ensuring that the emerging legal cannabis industry promotes multi-lateral opportunities for those most harmed by cannabis prohibition.

Health groups call on Federal government to deliver on its commitment to protect kids against nicotine addiction

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 19, 2024
Smoke, NRT, Social media, Television, Minor, Nicotine, Smoking, Imperial Brands, Sale, Heart, Federation, Smoker, Government, Advertising, Health, American Cancer Society, Canadian Cancer Society, Columbia, Spokesperson, Menthol, The Hill Times, Tobacco, Public affairs, Minister

While the government's existing proposal would exempt mint/menthol, health groups have argued that a complete ban on non-tobacco flavours is required to protect young people from nicotine addiction, as mint/menthol is the second-most popular flavour amongst youth and young adults .

Key Points: 
  • While the government's existing proposal would exempt mint/menthol, health groups have argued that a complete ban on non-tobacco flavours is required to protect young people from nicotine addiction, as mint/menthol is the second-most popular flavour amongst youth and young adults .
  • The ad also calls for swift action to protect minors against the sale and promotion of nicotine pouches, namely by making them a prescription-only product.
  • Making nicotine pouches available on a prescription-only basis would give time to both federal and provincial governments to establish a proper regulatory framework.
  • We hope that the government will be consistent in protecting kids from nicotine addiction and will rapidly move to ban all flavours in vaping products.

Mindgruve and Kick It California Tackle Public Health Epidemic with Gamified App

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 15, 2024
SAN, Smoking, Public health, Herbal cigarette, Life, Prevalence, Heated tobacco product, UC, Kick It, Partnership

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mindgruve, one of the premiere digital marketing agencies in the U.S., is excited to announce its partnership with Kick It California, the longest-running statewide phone-based tobacco cessation program in the U.S. The collaboration focuses on a complete redesign of the app formerly known as NoButts and NoVape, now rebranded as the Kick It app, tailored to aid users in their journey to quit both smoking and vaping. The app officially launched on December 29, 2023.

Key Points: 
  • The collaboration focuses on a complete redesign of the app formerly known as NoButts and NoVape, now rebranded as the Kick It app, tailored to aid users in their journey to quit both smoking and vaping.
  • The app officially launched on December 29, 2023.
  • "We're confident that this new app will be a powerful behavioral modification tool for Californians."
  • Powered by UC San Diego and funded by the CA Department of Public Health and First 5 CA, Kick It California has been helping Californians quit smoking, vaping, and smokeless tobacco for over 30 years.

Cardio Diagnostics Holdings, Inc. Expands HeartRisk™ Platform Offering to Diverse Markets in Conjunction with Nationwide Rollout

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 15, 2024
General Health, Professional Services, Data Management, Technology, State, Local, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Cardiology, Biotechnology, Human Resources, Health, Public Policy, Government, Prison, Intelligence, Investment, Smoking, Transport, Conditional sentence, CVD, Cardiovascular disease, Entrepreneurship, Risk, Consultant, Prevalence, Cardio, CHD, Hypertension, Death, Organization, Medicine, Workforce, Medical device

Cardio Diagnostics Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: CDIO), an AI-driven precision cardiovascular medicine company, announced today the nationwide rollout and a significant expansion of its groundbreaking HeartRisk™ platform.

Key Points: 
  • Cardio Diagnostics Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: CDIO), an AI-driven precision cardiovascular medicine company, announced today the nationwide rollout and a significant expansion of its groundbreaking HeartRisk™ platform.
  • This expansion extends the reach of its proprietary data intelligence platform to correctional facilities, risk-bearing providers engaged in value-based contracts, and broker and benefits consultants.
  • "By expanding our HeartRisk™ platform, we're not just innovating within traditional healthcare sectors but breaking new ground in diverse markets.
  • From correctional facilities to value-based care providers and workplace wellness programs to brokerage and benefits consultants, our precision cardiovascular solutions provide actionable insights.

Spice: the ‘zombie drug’ being found in some vape liquids

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Anxiety, Paranoia, Smoking, Pain, Spasm, Dizziness, Vomiting, Argyreia nervosa, Prison, Risk, Death, Psychosis, Illegal drug trade, Diarrhea, THC, Tobacco, Heart, Spice, Male, Glaucoma, Cannabis, Seizure, Brain

This incident is only the latest in what appears to be a growing problem in the UK with unregulated vape liquids, especially those marketed as containing THC or cannabis.

Key Points: 
  • This incident is only the latest in what appears to be a growing problem in the UK with unregulated vape liquids, especially those marketed as containing THC or cannabis.
  • This is why it’s so important for users to think carefully about what vape products they use.

What is spice?

  • While these lab-made drugs are designed to mimic the effects of cannabis, they tend to be far more unpredictable and harmful.
  • There’s currently no data on how these drugs are manufactured in clandestine laboratories thought to be located in China and India.
  • But we do have some idea of how spice may be synthesised, based on academic experiments that have been published in peer-reviewed journals.

What makes spice harmful?

  • Studies have shown that the compounds contained in spice act on both types of cannabinoid receptors that the body has.
  • Those who use spice repeatedly can develop a tolerance to it, requiring more to achieve the desired effect – ultimately putting them at higher risk of harm.

How does spice affect users?


Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists were initially explored as experimental drugs to alleviate suffering related to a variety of conditions – including pain, anorexia, muscle spasms and glaucoma.

  • Many people use spice in the hopes of experiencing effects similar to those caused by cannabis.
  • It isn’t possible to predict who will suffer which of these side effects, but all spice users are at risk.

Is spice a growing problem?

  • One investigation even found that nearly half of male prison deaths that happened between 2015-2020 in England and Wales were due to Spice.
  • There is also an increasing number of reports in the press of vape liquids being laced with spice – leading public health authorities to issue warnings.
  • There are now calls to make young people more aware of the dangers of spice and using certain types of vape liquids.


Michael Cole receives funding and "in kind" support from the European Union and a number police forces and forensic science organisations around the world to carry out research.

‘It is hijacking my brain’ – a team of experts found ways to help young people addicted to social media to cut the craving

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Social media, Anxiety, Mental health, Eating, Diet, Smoking, Friends, Thought, Smoke, Body image, Learning, Habit, Social, Moral panic, Brain, Research, Student

Others say the unease over social media is just the next round of moral panic about new technologies.

Key Points: 
  • Others say the unease over social media is just the next round of moral panic about new technologies.
  • We are a pair of researchers who investigate how social media affects the mental health of young people.
  • More than 75% of teens check their phone hourly, and half say they feel like they’re addicted to their devices.
  • Just as there are many ways to have a healthy diet, there are also a variety of ways to develop healthy and personalized social media habits.

The search for answers

  • Conversely, other studies point to the mental health benefits of social media, including social well-being, strong friendships and exposure to diverse perspectives.
  • In fact, inconclusive or mixed results seem to be a recurring pattern when researching this subject.
  • The inconsistencies in these studies highlight the very hard problem of characterizing healthy interaction between two complex systems – social media technologies and human behavioral psychology.
  • That’s why researchers are trying to distinguish between the active and passive use of social media.

A four-week intervention

  • Our initial analysis indicates that the four-week intervention significantly reduces social media addiction for those who started with problematic or clinical levels of social media addiction.
  • Problematic social media addiction is associated with a host of negative effects including moodiness, anxiety and an excessive amount of time and energy spent on or thinking about social media.
  • Those with problematic social media addiction scores at the start of the intervention showed a mean reduction of 26%, and scores for participants who began with clinical social media addiction scores fell by 35%.
  • These reductions brought both groups into a healthy range of social media use by the conclusion of the intervention.

Positive change takes time

  • Much like any behavior change, adopting healthier media consumption habits requires time, dedication and self-reflection.
  • That said, there are practical steps you can take right now to reduce your dependence on social media.
  • Similarly, our research shows that spending some time setting goals and engaging in self-reflection can change your relationship with social media – for the better.


Annie Margaret founded a non-profit called Post-Internet Project that aims to empower youth, educators, parents, and communities with a holistic understanding of the digital landscape, fostering emotional resilience, mindfulness, and compassionate leadership in the face of evolving technologies. Nicholas Hunkins is a data science consultant with Post-Internet Project, a non-profit organization founded by Annie Margaret that focuses on empowering youth to develop intentional engagement with modern technologies.

Oil and gas lobbyists have deep pockets and access to politicians, but an EU ban could be in the pipeline

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Hearing, Burn, European, Policy, Climate, Smoking, FCTC, Herbal cigarette, COP28, Deception, European Parliament, Carbon, World Health Organization, COP, Tobacco industry, Tobacco, Politics, Environment, Public, Renewable energy

Something similar is already in place for the tobacco industry in order to safeguard public health.

Key Points: 
  • Something similar is already in place for the tobacco industry in order to safeguard public health.
  • The European Parliament is set to examine what lessons can be learned to protect the environment from the harms associated with continued use of fossil fuels.
  • Restrictions on tobacco lobbyists, known as the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), came into force in 2005 and are legally binding in 182 countries.
  • Litigation in the US has shown that some of the major oil companies actively engaged in deception, denial and increasingly now delay tactics.
  • But delaying policies to address the climate emergency pose a huge societal risk.

Dominating discussions

  • Many leading climate scientists are growing increasingly concerned about the continued influence of oil and gas lobbyists.
  • The industry still enjoys privileged access to the highest reaches of decision making in Europe.
  • The EU’s delegation to the recent COP28 included over 130 oil and gas industry lobbyists.
  • What happens with lobbying will give a sense of how Europe will grapple with the challenges of the transition to low carbon energy.


Will Dinan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Kansas City Chiefs Celebrate Historic 2024 Super Bowl Victory with El Septimo Cigars

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Head, Kansas City Chiefs, Smoking, Super Bowl, Life, Collection, Chocolate, Vincent van Gogh, Taste, Entertainment

These champions have consistently selected El Septimo Geneva as their celebratory cigar, signifying the brand's unrivaled position in the world of luxury cigars.

Key Points: 
  • These champions have consistently selected El Septimo Geneva as their celebratory cigar, signifying the brand's unrivaled position in the world of luxury cigars.
  • “We are honored that for the last 3 years all Super Bowl Champions have only smoked El Septimo cigars.
  • El Septimo Geneva takes pride in being a part of this significant moment, celebrating the remarkable achievement of the Kansas City Chiefs."
  • The Kansas City Chiefs' historic victory at the 2024 Super Bowl will be remembered not just for their outstanding performance on the field, but also for how they chose to celebrate it - with El Septimo Geneva, the epitome of cigar excellence.

Why has it been so difficult to create smoke-free areas in Indonesia? The answer lies in the way laws are made

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Smoke, Smoking, Politics, Islam, Ministry, Smoker, Research, Human, Policy, Drug

As of 2018 only 345 out of 514 districts in Indonesia had issued laws on smoke-free areas in 2018.

Key Points: 
  • As of 2018 only 345 out of 514 districts in Indonesia had issued laws on smoke-free areas in 2018.
  • In June 2023, more than ten years after the regulation was issued nationally, 13% of districts were still yet to create local smoke-free area laws.
  • Our recent study shows the challenges local governments face translating national laws into local laws as well as the role of local politics.

Smoke-free area challenges in three provinces

  • Breaking this rule can result in various punishments, including fines or imprisonment, depending on the local regulations.
  • We analysed smoke-free area regulations in three provinces: Aceh, Malang, East Java and Bandung, West Java, to understand how local contexts influence the trajectory of law-making.
  • Aceh has one of the highest smoking rates in Indonesia and smoking plays an important social role.

Local differences

  • Each local government must go through the formal law-making process, which requires time, money and resources to research and draft the law.
  • We found the main reason for the delay was a lack of local legislative support.
  • Local governments are also required to discuss the proposed laws with relevant stakeholders to ensure the local community’s needs are met.
  • While some local leaders ardently championed the cause, their ability to influence local parliaments* is limited.

Political dynamics and patchwork laws

  • Our study also showed how making local laws is intertwined with local political dynamics.
  • The 2014 national elections shifted the narrative in Malang with the rise of political parties more supportive of smoke-free areas.
  • In Aceh, a medical doctor, the head of the smoke-free area task force, was pivotal in pushing for the required smoke-free area laws.

What’s next?

  • Our study highlights the cumbersome process of law creation.
  • Giving local politicians responsibility for creating local laws based on pre-existing national regulations creates multiple issues, especially if they do not see it as a priority.


Elisabeth Kramer receives funding from Sydney Southeast Asia Centre (SSEAC) at University of Sydney for conducting this research. Anastasia Maria Sri Redjeki, Eni Maryani, Lestari Nurhajati, Masduki, dan Rizanna Rosemary tidak bekerja, menjadi konsultan, memiliki saham, atau menerima dana dari perusahaan atau organisasi mana pun yang akan mengambil untung dari artikel ini, dan telah mengungkapkan bahwa ia tidak memiliki afiliasi selain yang telah disebut di atas.