By Shem Baldeosingh, Director The Global Institute for Novel Nicotine (GINN), with the benefit of Joel Rubenstein’s vast expertise in the category, is working a comprehensive policy position on nicotine pouches and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), reaffirming our commitment to advancing harm reduction through innovative, science-backed alternatives to smoking. GINN strongly supports the availability of…
Spain is quickly becoming a focal point in the broader European debate over nicotine pouches. While EU institutions weigh broader harm reduction strategies, Spain has taken a more cautious—and in some cases, restrictive—approach to regulating these alternatives. GINN recently held a regional engagement in Spain to better understand the local regulatory landscape, meet with policymakers…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has renewed its call for a global ban on flavored nicotine products—a move that continues to raise concerns among harm reduction advocates, public health professionals, and adult consumers who rely on these products to quit smoking. At GINN, we recognize the critical need to protect youth. But we also believe…
A leaked internal report from the European Commission has raised urgent questions about the EU’s proposed overhaul of the Tobacco Excise Directive (TED). While the stated goals—reducing smoking and boosting revenue—may be well-intentioned, the Commission’s own analysis warns that sweeping tax hikes could have serious unintended consequences. From soaring excise increases to mounting black market…
By Joel Rubenstein, GINN Focal Point Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) was born not out of global health ambition—but naval necessity. In the 1960s, Swedish submariners needed a smoke-free and spit-free way to consume nicotine underwater. The solution was nicotine gum—commissioned by the Swedish Navy and developed by local pharmaceutical companies. What started as a practical…