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…
Sweden is poised to become the first country in the world to reach “smoke-free” status—defined as a smoking rate below 5%. According to newly released data, this achievement is not the product of prohibitionist measures but of pragmatic, evidence-based harm reduction policies, with nicotine pouches playing a central role—especially among women. The report Power in…
Several European Union Member States have formally called on the European Commission to introduce stricter regulation of vaping products and emerging nicotine alternatives. This coordinated initiative reflects growing concern among national governments about rising youth experimentation and the evolving nicotine product landscape. It also signals that the revision of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) and…
A newly published systematic review and network meta-analysis by La Rosa et al. (2025) offers valuable insights into the oral health effects of non-combustible nicotine products (NCNPs). As these products gain popularity as reduced-risk alternatives to smoking, understanding their broader health impact—including on oral health—is critical for clinicians, policymakers, and harm reduction advocates alike. The…
On January 7, 2025, the American Heart Association (AHA) released a comprehensive policy statement examining the cardiovascular health implications of smokeless oral nicotine products. Published in Circulation, the statement evaluates emerging products such as tobacco-free nicotine pouches, lozenges, gums, tablets, and gummies, many of which contain synthetic nicotine. This is the AHA’s first detailed update…
I’m proud to announce that Joel Rubenstein has joined GINN as our newest Focal Point. Joel brings more than 25 years of leadership in the health, wellness, and consumer healthcare sectors, with a proven track record across CPG, Rx, and OTC categories. His career spans US and Global marketing roles at Pfizer, Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline;…