View this email in your browser ([link removed])


** 19 March 2025
------------------------------------------------------------


** UK
------------------------------------------------------------


** Smoking persists in mental health hospitals despite bans (#1)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Smoking rates rise in southern England as progress stalls (#2)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Illegal tobacco crackdown exposes links to organised crime (#3)
------------------------------------------------------------


** International
------------------------------------------------------------


** Study: Sweet nicotine pouches may increase addiction risk in rats (#4)
------------------------------------------------------------


** Cannabis use linked to increased heart attack and stroke risk (#5)
------------------------------------------------------------


** UK
------------------------------------------------------------


** Smoking persists in mental health hospitals despite bans

New research has revealed that mental health patients continue to smoke on hospital grounds, often with staff support, despite existing smokefree policies. A survey by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) found that while most mental health trusts say they prohibit smoking, enforcement is inconsistent, and only 42% of trusts provide tobacco dependence treatment.

The findings come as the government prepares to ban smoking outside hospitals under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. ASH warns that without improved smoking cessation services, mental health patients will be left without adequate support to quit. The report also highlights concerns over the upcoming ban on disposable vapes, which are widely used in mental health hospitals and could become less accessible for patients.

Despite NHS commitments to provide stop smoking services to all inpatients, funding for tobacco treatment in mental health trusts fell by 17% last year. Experts argue that addressing smoking in these settings is critical for both physical and mental health outcomes.

Source: HSJ, 18 March 2025

See also:
------------------------------------------------------------
*
** ASH Press Release: Patients in mental health wards need better quit support as government prepares to ban smoking on hospital grounds ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------
*
** ASH Report: Space to breathe - Findings from a survey of smokefree policies and tobacco dependence treatment services in NHS mental health trusts in England, 2024 ([link removed])
------------------------------------------------------------

Read Here ([link removed])


** Smoking rates rise in southern England as progress stalls

New research has revealed an increase in smoking rates across parts of England for the first time since 2006, with the south-west experiencing the most significant rise. While national smoking prevalence has nearly halved over the past 18 years, recent trends indicate a reversal in progress in some regions, particularly in the south.

The study, conducted by University College London and published in Addiction, analysed data from over 350,000 adults and found that smoking rates in southern England rose by 10% between 2020 and 2024, with the south-west seeing a 17% increase. In contrast, smoking prevalence in northern England declined by nearly 10% during the same period. Researchers suggest that relapses among former smokers may be contributing to the rise.

Experts warn that planned cuts to NHS Integrated Commissioning Boards, which help fund stop smoking services, could jeopardise future reductions in smoking. Public health advocates argue that sustained investment is crucial to maintaining progress and ensuring equal access to cessation support nationwide. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing smoking through the proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill and increased funding for local stop smoking services.

Source: The Guardian, 19 March 2025
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Illegal tobacco crackdown exposes links to organised crime

A major operation targeting the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes has led to significant seizures in the South West, with authorities warning of the wider criminal networks linked to these unregulated products. The joint effort, led by Trading Standards South West and Devon & Cornwall Police under Operation CeCe, resulted in the confiscation of illegal goods worth over £16,000 from premises in Torquay and Exeter.

Specialist sniffer dogs uncovered hidden stockpiles, including tobacco concealed in a fake fridge with a hydraulic opening mechanism. Authorities highlighted the increasing sophistication of criminal gangs involved in the trade, which is often connected to drug trafficking, modern slavery, and exploitation.

Officials also stressed the public health risks posed by these products, which are sold at prices that make them easily accessible to young people. Enforcement teams are urging the public to report illegal sales to help disrupt the trade and protect communities.

Source: Torbay Weekly, 19 March 2025

------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** International
------------------------------------------------------------


** Study: Sweet nicotine pouches may increase addiction risk in rats

New research suggests that sweet-flavoured nicotine pouches may be more addictive than other varieties, with rats consuming them in higher quantities. The use of nicotine pouches in the UK has risen sharply, with the proportion of adults who have tried them doubling since 2020. Unlike snus, these pouches do not contain tobacco but release nicotine gradually when placed between the gum and lip.

A study by the Yale School of Medicine, published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research, tested the effects of different sweeteners and flavour additives on nicotine preference in rats. The findings indicate that sweeteners, such as sucrose and saccharin, enhance nicotine consumption, particularly in females, while certain flavours, like cinnamon, increase intake among males. Menthol was also found to influence nicotine use differently based on sex.

Scientists warn that these findings could have implications for nicotine regulation, as flavours and sweeteners may encourage continued use. While nicotine pouches are considered less harmful than tobacco products, they remain addictive by stimulating the brain’s reward system. Experts stress the need for further research to understand how flavouring agents impact dependence and inform harm reduction policies.

Source: The Independent, 19 March 2025
------------------------------------------------------------


**
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])


** Cannabis use linked to increased heart attack and stroke risk

New research has found that cannabis users under the age of 50 are significantly more likely to experience heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues than non-users. Two large-scale studies indicate that regular cannabis use is associated with a sixfold increase in heart attack risk, a fourfold rise in ischemic strokes, and a threefold increase in cardiovascular-related deaths.

The analysis, which reviewed data from over 75 million people across multiple countries, suggests that cannabis may disrupt heart rhythm, increase oxygen demand in heart muscles, and impair blood vessel function. However, researchers cautioned that additional factors, such as concurrent use of other substances, were not fully accounted for in the study.

Source: New York Post, 18 March 2025

------------------------------------------------------------


**
------------------------------------------------------------
Read Here ([link removed])
Have you been forwarded this email? Subscribe to ASH Daily News here. ([link removed])

For more information email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) or visit www.ash.org.uk
@ASHorguk ([link removed])

ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.

============================================================
Our mailing address is:
Action on Smoking and Health
Unit 2.9, The Foundry
17 Oval Way
London
SE11 5RR

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])