Recent developments in the UK have led to the government’s announcement of a ban on disposable vapes, set to take effect in April 2025. This decision follows research from University College London published in Cancer Research, which casts doubt on the harmlessness of candy-flavored nicotine sticks. In the wake of this ban, nicotine pouches, marketed as a new alternative to smoking, have surged in popularity among the younger demographic. Brands such as Velo, Übbs, and Nordic Spirit are aggressively promoting these products, leading to a significant increase in the market, from £3 million in 2020 to £45.8 million last year. This rise is accompanied by growing health concerns regarding the implications of nicotine pouch use.

In Australia, the healthcare sector is engaging in a separate but related debate over vaping. The Australian government, led by Health Minister Mark Butler, is moving to significantly restrict access to vapes by introducing a bill that limits their availability to prescription only. This proposed legislation, which includes penalties of up to $2.2m in fines and imprisonment terms of up to 7 years, targets the sale, supply, possession, advertising, and manufacturing of vapes. The measure is in response to concerns over public health and the impact of vaping, particularly among the youth. The Australian health community has urged politicians to ignore misleading information from lobbyists with ties to the tobacco and vaping industries. The upcoming vaping legislation is set against a backdrop of global dialogue on smoking alternatives and their regulatory challenges.