One of the points we’ve made over the years is that we know it’s possible to influence rates of substance use without the threat of criminal justice intervention because we’ve already done it with smoking.

To illustrate the point, rates of adult smoking in the US fell below 10% for the first time in recorded history last year, down from 42% in 1965. A stunning reduction achieved without prohibiting cigarettes or arresting people who smoke!

Youth use of tobacco products has significantly declined between 2022-2025, including vaping. The only category showing an increase in use for youth is with nicotine pouches. Certainly we don’t want youth using nicotine products period, but we can educate youth about the dangers of nicotine addiction while also being honest with adults about ways they can improve their health if they’re already addicted.

The FDA did this recently by allowing the marketing for certain nicotine pouch products to state that it “puts you at a lower risk of mouth cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis” compared to cigarettes. Nicotine is not healthy for young people, but innovations in delivery methods like vaping and pouches are saving the lives of adults who switch from cigarettes.

It’s so common for us to think about nicotine and alcohol as somehow being separate from “drugs,” even though they’re drugs too.

And if we had attempted to influence smoking rates through mass prohibition and arrest, we would be in a similarly unwinnable cigarette war with cartels producing cigarettes, just like we’re in an unwinnable war with the prohibition of other drugs.

If we’ve learned anything over the past years, it’s that change is possible. Thank YOU for being part of the conversation as we continue working toward healthier communities and policies that save lives.