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Over three million non-compliant vapes seized by Trading Standards in South-East England
Trading Standards teams across South-East England have confiscated more than three million illegal vaping devices over the past five years, with over two million confiscated at Channel ports in Kent. The products included items breaching nicotine limits, failing labelling and safety requirements, or falling under the ban on disposable vapes introduced in 2025.
Source: BBC News, 23 January 2026
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Targeted vape range drives growth at local convenience store
A Go Local Extra shop has reported stronger vape sales following investment in a professional in-store display and prominent product offering. By expanding and clearly merchandising its vaping range, the store has attracted customer interest and increased footfall, with vaping now contributing more to overall turnover.
Source: Convenience Store, 23 January 2026
Editorial note: This article has been included to provide insight into market trends and industry developments.
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Opinion: British American Tobacco shows new growth in nicotine alternatives
John Gapper, Chief Business Columnist at the Financial Times, argues that British American Tobacco’s increase in shares is due to the company repositioning itself towards alternative nicotine products as cigarette sales decline. Gapper contends that British American Tobacco’s recent market recovery reflects investor confidence in vapes and nicotine pouches, especially as nicotine pouches are being increasingly used by young adults. Gapper references the ‘regulatory gap’ that nicotine pouches fall through in the UK, meaning they do not face the same advertising regulations as cigarettes, a gap which the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will close. Gapper concludes that investors appear confident that BAT’s growth relies on ongoing consumer dependence on nicotine products rather than them being used as temporary aids to quit. The company’s rising share value reflects expectations of sustained demand for its nicotine products.
Source: Financial Times, 22 January 2026
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US exits the World Health Organisation
The United States has formally left the World Health Organization, arguing that the WHO mishandled the COVID-19 response and that Washington should pursue health cooperation directly with individual countries. The move ends US funding, leaves disputed unpaid contributions and signals no intention to return or participate even in a limited role. Health specialists warn the decision could weaken international disease monitoring, with implications for both the US and global public health.
Source: Reuters, 22 January 2026
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Study shows smoking behaviour associated with depression
The Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim, analysing data from the German National Cohort, have found that people who smoke, or have smoked in the past, experience depression more frequently than those who have never used cigarettes. The analysis also indicates a graded pattern - heavier daily smoking is linked with more severe symptoms, while giving up smoking is associated with better mental health outcomes over time. Those who quit earlier, and who stopped longer ago, tended to report fewer or more distant episodes of depression, although the results cannot prove cause and effect.
Source: Medical Xpress, 23 January 2026
See also: Maja P. Völker et al,.From cigarettes to symptoms: the association between smoking and depression in the German National Cohort (NAKO). BMC Public Health. 2025. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-25959-0
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Study shows heavy cannabis use linked to signs of impaired lung function
An observational study published in the European Respiratory Journal suggests that frequent cannabis smoking is associated with poorer respiratory health compared with non-smokers. Individuals with the highest lifetime exposure reported more respiratory symptoms, showed evidence of airflow limitation on lung tests, and displayed abnormalities on advanced imaging. Although the research does not establish cause and effect, it raises concerns that sustained cannabis smoking may contribute to chronic airway problems.
Source: European Medical Journal, 21 January 2026
See also: Leung C et al. Clinical, physiological, imaging and molecular responses to cannabis smoking: the Canadian Users of Cannabis Smoke (CANUCK) study. European Respiratory Journal. 2026;67(1):2501659.
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FDA reviews reduced-risk claims by Philip Morris for their Zyn nicotine pouches
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is evaluating whether Philip Morris International can market its Zyn nicotine pouches as less harmful than cigarettes. The FDA is holding a public meeting where external health experts will discuss the evidence and potential risks. Zyn, a tobacco-free nicotine pouch has become the leading product in the U.S. nicotine pouch market.
Source: The Independent, 22 January 2026
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National Smoke-free Pregnancy Incentives Scheme (NSPIS) extended for a further three financial years.
The National Smoke-free Pregnancy Incentives Scheme (NSPIS) has been extended for a further three financial years, from April 2026 to March 2029. The scheme will now include significant others. The NSPIS has been running for over a year and has played a vital role in supporting pregnant people to quit smoking and tackling health inequalities.
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Electoral Reform Society Blog: Why voting isn’t like drinking or smoking
As the government plans to lower the voting age to 16, this blog from the Electoral Reform Society explains why voting is fundamentally different from activities like smoking or drinking, which carry measurable health risks and can cause lasting harm.
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Smoking Toolkit Study: Discover Major Findings Relating to Smoking in England
This portal displays the new figures from the Smoking Toolkit Study.
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ASH Blog: The nicotine pouch loophole
This blog reflects on new research that shows an increase in the use of nicotine pouches by young people, and the persistent marketing tactics of the tobacco industry.
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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.
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