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National Post

Smoke Free Sweden: Oral Nicotine Pouches Are Game-changer for Women in Sweden's Smoke-free Success

Article content STRASBOURG, France — New research from Smoke Free Sweden reveals oral nicotine pouches are a game-changer in Sweden's path to becoming the world's first smoke-free nation – and are driving unprecedented success among women. Article content The report, Power in a Pouch Article content , launched today in Strasbourg, shows pouches have been a decisive catalyst in Sweden's public health success – especially for women, who are quitting smoking faster and more effectively than ever. Article content Since their introduction in 2016, tobacco-free pouches have: Article content Helped to accelerate the decline in smoking for both genders, with a nearly 200% rise in quit rates among women. Outperformed all other quit aids; women ranked pouches nearly three times higher than vapes and 56% higher than gum. Been identified by the research as the preferred quit aid for all ex-smokers for being clean, socially considerate and stigma-free. Driven a 49% drop in smoking among women, who historically quit at lower rates than men. Article content 'The evidence is crystal clear: nicotine pouches are the most effective way to help smokers – especially women – quit,' said report co-author Dr. Marewa Glover, a behavioural scientist from New Zealand. Article content 'Health data and women's testimonials show pouches are safe, socially acceptable, and fit modern lifestyles. They're pragmatic, effective, and our best hope for a smoke-free future.' Article content Sweden's harm reduction strategy stands in contrast to restrictive approaches elsewhere. Rather than banning safer products, Sweden embraced them – recognising they are far less harmful than cigarettes. Article content Sweden's smoking rate is now 5.3%, just above the 5% smoke-free benchmark. Male lung cancer deaths are 61% below the EU average; total cancer deaths, 34% lower. Article content Report co-author Dr. Delon Human warned that excessive regulation could jeopardise these gains, especially for women. Article content 'Misguided bans are blocking access to products that save lives,' said Dr. Human, leader of Smoke Free Sweden and former Secretary-General of the World Medical Association. Article content 'That's not just bad policy – it's a public health disaster. Women deserve access to the quit aid that works best.' Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content