Cheryl K. Olson is a California-based public health researcher who specializes in behavioral health issues and consults on tobacco product behaviors via McKinney Regulatory Science Advisors. She spent 15 years on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. In this section we feature a selection of Olson’s contributions to Tobacco Reporter
BAT Completes $420M Block Trade of ITC Hotel Shares
The trade was completed, with 187.5 million ordinary shares going to investors by way of an accelerated bookbuild process.
CAA Elects Terry Gallagher as New Chairman
The Board also elected new officers: Eric Newman (Vice Chair), Carrie Freed (Treasurer), and Henry Roemer (Secretary).
SKE Launches 15K Puff Vape in UK
The launch follows the success of SKE’s 6,000-puff model, SKE CL6000, which the company said has sold tens of millions of units globally.
Great Wall Cigar Explores Partnerships with Cuba, Morocco, Indonesia
Great Wall Cigar holds about 50% of China’s handmade cigar market and nearly 70% of its high-end segment, exporting to 28 countries.
Philippines Seeks Feedback on Vape Advertising Permits
The proposed DAO requires advertisers to obtain a permit from the government before any campaign can be released.
Central America’s No. 1 Tobacco Importer, Belize Pushing for Tobacco Control
While the bill is progressive, in a jarring contradiction, Belize is the number one tobacco importer in all of Central America
Switzerland to Implement New Tobacco-Ad Rules in 2027
Advertising in newspapers and magazines will be prohibited with exceptions; online ads, e-commerce sales, and vending machines will have age-verification requirements.
Pakistan’s Pouch Market Reshaping Tobacco Landscape
Local production is boosting jobs, tax revenue, and regulatory oversight, but authorities are expected to weigh stricter controls as the category scales.
Imperial Canada Urges Action as Illicit Pouch Surge
The company says a recent Ministerial Order requiring legal pouches to be kept behind pharmacy counters has backfired by pushing consumers toward unregulated, higher-nicotine products.
Czech Republic Bans Candy-Flavored Vapes
They say nearly 14% of Czechs used e-cigarettes last year, and usage among 15- to 24-year-olds has surged to more than 25%, with most choosing sweet flavors.
Bangladesh Uncovers Major Cigarette Tax-Evasion Scheme
Bangladesh’s NBR says a raid on United Tobacco Industries Limited in Ishwardi, Pabna, uncovered the equivalent of $738,000 in tax-evaded products.
BAT to Sell Stake in ITC Hotels to Reduce Debt
Proceeds from the sale will help BAT move toward its “target 2–2.5x net debt/EBITDA leverage” by the end of 2026.
Researchers Find Enzyme that Drives Nicotine, Smoking Dependence
The study shows that astrocytic glutamine synthetase regulates locomotor sensitization after repeated nicotine exposure.
Swedish Pouch Manufacturer Opening U.S. Facility
WiJo Pouches NA announced that is has been approved to establish its first U.S. manufacturing site, investing $13.5 million in Lexington County, South Carolina.
India Raises Cigarette Tax to Curb Consumption
The new law replaces a temporary levy and imposes a value-based tax of $29–$122 per thousand sticks, in addition to a 40% goods and services tax.
Sweden Nears Milestone as Europe’s First ‘Smoke-Free’ Nation
Last year, its daily smoking rate fell to 5.2%, a sharp decline from 15% in 2005.
Wisconsin Lawmakers Renew Push to Raise Tobacco Age to 21
Despite the federal change in 2019, state law still lists the age as 18, creating confusion for retailers and police.
Nigeria Wants THR to Drive Low Smoking Rates Lower
Nigeria needs clear product standards, safety rules, transparent labelling, and tax policies that reflect relative risk.
Extent of Australia’s Illicit Tobacco Crisis Coming to Light
Legal tobacco sales are collapsing. Metcash reported a 35% drop in sales over the six months, while Australia’s tobacco tax take has created a $45.5 billion budget shortfall.
PMI Expands Partnership with Scuderia Ferrari HP
“By further enhancing our partnership with Scuderia Ferrari HP, we hope to accelerate the replacement of cigarettes, and we want our adult consumers of nicotine products.”
Dutch Researchers Alarmed that Teens Wake to Vape
Doctors involved in the study said night-time vaping is a clear marker of addiction and warned that many parents remain unaware their children smoke.
Foundation Cigar Co. Expands into Canada
“Retailers and consumers across Canada have been inquiring about these cigars for a long time, and we’re thrilled to finally make them available through Canadian tobacconists.”
Restricting Vapes Drives Smokers Back to Cigarettes: Opinion
“Flavors aren’t just a marketing tool; they are a behavioral and psychological aid that help smokers make the transition away from cigarettes.”
VELO, McLaren Unveil Fan-Created Livery for Abu Dhabi GP
The project is part of the “Live Your Fandom” campaign, which has delivered unique fan experiences throughout the season.
SGF Asks for Guidance on Nicotine Pouches
The SGF chief said the industry and government should work together to develop “clear, standardized guidance” on pouch sales and promotion.
NZ Minister Grilled Over Oral Nicotine Plan
Costello said the move is part of a harm-reduction approach and is still subject to safety controls and measures to prevent youth access.
We are no longer in the world of ‘unintended consequences’ – Why Restricting Vape Flavors Risks Driving Smokers Back to Cigarettes
There are legitimate concerns about youth access to vapes and nicotine pouches, but the international evidence shows us that restricting flavors is not the way.
FDA Launches Web-Based PMTA Forms
The web forms allow applicants to create, validate, and submit PMTA and SE Report submissions directly through CTP Portal NextGen.
CEO Breaks Down PMI’s Smoke-free Future for Investors
Olczak said that PMI’s three-platform system—IQOS, ZYN, and vapor—is the most effective way to replace combustibles across all usage occasions.
5th Circ. Grills FDA on PMTA Rules
During oral arguments, the panel pressed the FDA on its shift in position between 2016 and 2021, when the agency moved from a more flexible approach.
Korea Labels Synthetic Nicotine as ‘Tobacco’
Officials say the move addresses a regulatory blind spot that allowed widespread use of synthetic nicotine—which they said accounts for 95% of the market.
Strategic Partnership to Elevate Cannabis Data Use
Technologically, the partnership focuses on building a new data ecosystem that mirrors the rigor of mature Consumer Packaged Goods markets.
J.C. Newman Restoring Part of Tampa’s Cigar Heritage
Built in 1910, the building was once a hub for cigar workers, located across the street from J.C. Newman’s famed El Reloj factory.
Young Children Gaining Access to Nicotine Products: Kenyan Survey
Researchers said children as young as 6 had tried manufactured cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and/or shisha, while vape use was found by age 9.
Using Tobacco with Cannabis Tied to Unique Brain Changes: Study
Researchers say the findings highlight a possible molecular mechanism behind the risks of combined use and could inform future treatments for cannabis use disorder.
Malaysian Raid Seizes $2.7M in Illicit Vapes
Officers discovered 719,250 units, including over 211,000 devices and 508,000 liquids, all of which were believed to be undeclared.
Korea Busts Cigarette Smuggling Operation
Authorities said the suspects re-imported 1.75 million exported cigarette packs by claiming they were being sent to a third country.
Supreme Court Told Cannabis Ban is Outdated
They argue that the Court’s 2005 ruling in Gonzales v. Raich is outdated, given widespread state legalization and shifting federal enforcement.
Charlie’s Holdings’ New Factory to Serve Texas Market
Yesterday (December 1), Charlie’s Holdings, Inc. announced the opening of its first U.S.-based manufacturing facility in Huntington Beach, California, which will exclusively produce the company’s
Kenya Stays Defamation Case Based on ‘Tobacco Bribes’
Wetang’ula seeks damages and costs over allegations that British American Tobacco bribed him while he served as Bungoma Senator.
