THE SIX MAIN POINTS IN THE PAPER ARE :
1
People consume nicotine , but they die from smoking
Current smokers must not be prevented from switching to vaping and other alternatives .
Yorkshire Cancer Research states : “ There is no evidence that sustained use of nicotine alone increases the risk of cancer .
“ Of the three main causes of death from smoking , none are caused by nicotine . The harm from smoking comes from the thousands of other chemicals in tobacco smoke .”
2
Nicotine in patches and gums is not a problem – neither is it when vaped or in a pouch
Nicotine is not considered a problem in conventional nicotine replacement therapy , therefore it cannot be a bigger problem in vaping .
4
Nicotine has scientifically-proven therapeutic benefits for some people
From improving attention and working memory to other cognitiveenhancing effects , nicotine can have a positive health impact in some settings .
However , decades of demonising and association with cigarettes means ‘ too many lawmakers and health agencies ’ are blind to its potential .
Nicotine should be assessed without interference from the ‘ antinicotine agenda ’.
5
Misconceptions about nicotine are hindering progress
A majority of both the general public and physicians falsely believe that nicotine causes cancer .
If smokers believe that nicotine is the main factor of negative health effects , they have no reason to switch .
We can only fix the misconceptions on nicotine if smokers , experts and the general public are educated on the actual dangers of smoking .
A war on nicotine when vaped or consumed with pouches makes no sense , when at the same time it is no problem in patches or gums .
3
Addiction is complex and not served by a war on nicotine
Nicotine is not the only culprit in smoking addiction .
6
Prohibition never works
Prohibition doesn ’ t work .
We don ’ t see moral panic over moderate beer consumption or caffeine intake and hence , have sensible discussions about regulation , public health policies and scientific research .
Unfortunately , when it comes to nicotine consumption such a rational approach is missing .
If it were , people using nicotine replacement therapies would be able to ditch cigarettes immediately … but unfortunately that ’ s far from reality .
Smoking addiction is the result of a complex blend of nicotine , other ingredients and conditioned behaviour , so launching a war on nicotine alone isn ’ t enough to end the smoking epidemic .
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