Experts React to WHO Report on Nicotine Pouches and Smoking Cessation

Scientists from UK and US institutions provided expert commentary on the World Health Organization’s recent report regarding nicotine pouches. While the WHO suggests claims about their efficacy for smoking cessation are unsubstantiated, experts argue this view overlooks emerging evidence. Dr. Jamie Hartmann-Boyce noted that while robust data is still pending, independent studies are underway to determine if these pouches aid quitting. Professor Caitlin Notley highlighted qualitative data indicating users find pouches helpful for transitioning away from tobacco, emphasizing the importance of consumer choice alongside licensed medications. Dr. Harry Tattan-Birch addressed regulatory challenges, noting that nicotine pouches often fall outside existing tobacco laws due to lacking tobacco leaf. He warned that outright bans, as implemented in sixteen countries, could be counterproductive by pushing users back to more harmful cigarettes. Instead, he advocated for balanced regulations, such as the UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, which restricts youth access and advertising while acknowledging pouches as a potentially lower-risk alternative for adult smokers. The consensus highlights the need for further comparative research against established cessation aids.