Richard Crosby

Like other uninformed commenters before her, a New Zealand academic has made the common (and tedious) mistake of thinking she knows what vaping is about by saying, “I know there is a big black market for vaping in Australia, but at least they’re sending the right message: that vaping should be for smoking cessation and not for recreational use.” This is a perfect example of the blinkered worldview of a prohibitionist. It is completely disconnected from the truth, both historically and socially.

The land of “Liberté, égalité, fraternité” might need to change its famous motto. Unfounded fears over youth nicotine pouch use mean that France will ban the harm-reduction product in a few weeks, forcing many consumers back toward lethal cigarettes. Let’s take a look at what’s happening. In an exclusive interview with Le Parisien on October 29th, French Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq announced the government will ban nicotine pouches.

October is ADHD Awareness Month. While the neurodevelopmental disorder has made its way into the public consciousness more than ever, it’s still frequently misunderstood. Being diagnosed and getting treatment for ADHD can change people’s lives by improving their focus, organisation, and self-control. However, much of the medication used to treat the disorder can be quite harsh, leading to unwanted side effects for some, such as insomnia, loss of appetite, increased anxiety, and mood swings.