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
Health Canada Issues Recall for Zyn, Siberia Pouches
The recall covers Siberia 35 mg pouches and Zyn 6 mg varieties across multiple flavors.
Bulgarian Tobacco Farmers Urge EC to Consider Rural Impact of Regs
Growers said decisions made in Brussels could have significant consequences for tobacco-dependent regions across Bulgaria and the EU.
PCA Launching New Initiative in Mexico
It will bring together importers, retailers, hospitality professionals, brands, and adult consumers for training and market engagement.
Article Examines S. Africa’s Intentions vs Consequences in Tobacco Control
“The disagreement is not about whether that goal is worthy. It is about whether this instrument, in this country, at this moment, is likely to achieve it.”
10% of Korean Teenagers Say Smoking Looks ‘Cool’
Researchers identified a strong link between exposure to smoking content, perceiving smokers as attractive, and greater tolerance toward smoking.
Kenya Looking to Crack Down on Shisha Offenders
Officials proposed tougher regulations targeting shisha, including fines of up to $7,700 and prison terms of up to six months.
Netherlands Rules Out Disposable Vape, Filter Bans
They said a national ban on disposable vapes would conflict with EU tobacco rules, despite concerns about environmental damage and fire risks linked to waste processing incidents.
FDA Memo Questions Flavored-Vape Reversal: AP
Regulators explained that the Glas flavored vapes “did not have to demonstrate added adult benefit,” because young people were unlikely to use them.
Nicotine Pouch Use Surging with Young Canadians
Researchers said the rapid growth was unexpected and noted that only about one-third of pouch users were cigarette smokers.
Indonesia Customs Seizes 8M Illegal Cigarettes
The shipment, valued at $710,000, included OK BOLD and imported Double Happiness cigarettes concealed under livestock feed on a truck traveling from Java to Sumatra.
Pouch Popularity Forcing Retailers to Reshape the Backbar
Retailers said regulatory uncertainty and rapidly changing manufacturer priorities are forcing constant adjustments to shelf space and assortment decisions.
PM Italia Fined €7M for ‘Smoke-Free’ Language
Philip Morris Italia rejected the findings and said it will appeal, arguing that the terminology complies with Italian and European Union regulations.
BlackRock Increases Stake in KT&G
BlackRock announced that it acquired an additional 467,350 shares of KT&G over the past four months, increasing its stake in the Korean company from 5.01%
Malaysian Police Want Vape Ban as Devices Used for Drugs
They said criminal syndicates are increasingly using vape devices to distribute new psychoactive substances, raising concerns about youth uptake and drug abuse.
Bangladesh Criticized for Minor Tobacco Tax Increases
The groups also expressed concern that prices for bidis, jarda, and gul remain unchanged.
Illicit Cigarette Market Climbs to 16% in Cyprus
The study found that approximately 160 million illicit cigarettes were consumed in Cyprus during the year, resulting in an estimated €27 million in lost tax revenue.
West Virginia Begins Implementing Vape Safety Act
Under the law, products must display health warnings, age restrictions, manufacturer information, and ingredient disclosures.
PMI Declares $1.47 Quarterly Dividend
It declared a regular quarterly dividend of $1.47 per common share, payable on July 20.
Mass. Officials Drummed Up ‘Fake Support’ for Generational Bans: Report
The report alleges that the strategy relied on securing local NFG ordinances to build momentum for broader statewide legislation.
Report Accuses Trump of Cashing in on FDA Changes
The report alleges Trump increased his holdings in several tobacco companies, including PMI and Altria, as the FDA was pushed for regulatory changes.
Dutch Health Minister Dismisses Generational Ban
She pointed to high youth nicotine use and widespread reliance on illegal vaping products as key enforcement challenges that would undermine such a policy.
PM India Calls to Disrupt Illicit Tobacco Ecosystem
The illicit tobacco market across ASEAN-6 generated an estimated $12.6 billion over 2024–2025, with illicit cigarette volumes rising 14% and illicit e-vape sales increasing 24%.
Pakistan Taps into Industry for Proposals to Stop Illicit Trade
Industry stakeholders emphasized the impact of illicit cigarette sales on tax compliance and market competition.
Indonesia Health Pushing for Plain Packaging
The proposed rule would standardize pack colors and design while retaining brand names and mandatory pictorial health warning.
Hong Kong Sees Historic Drops in Smoking, Vaping
overall smoking prevalence in Hong Kong has dropped to a historic low of 8.5%.
Thailand Busts Illicit Vape Factory Supplying Buyers Nationwide
Officers seized about 65,000 finished e-cigarette devices and materials capable of producing roughly 30,000 more, along with machinery, packaging, and raw supplies.
French-Speaking Countries Gather to Discuss THR Strategies
The forum concluded with the signing of a manifesto calling for stronger science-based tobacco policy, improved smoker support systems, and stricter protections for minors.
UK Could Shut Down Stores Selling Illicit Products for a Year
Under the proposed changes, authorities would be able to shut premises engaged in illegal activities for up to 12 months, double the current penalty.
BoA Data Shows Shift from Cigarettes to Oral Nicotine Products
Industry cigarette sales fell 3.3%, and vapor sales declined 17.2%, while oral tobacco sales increased 5.8%.
Calif. Town Criticized for Ending Hookah Exemption
“I have never seen a kid walking on the street with a hookah and two charcoals on top.”
Mass. ‘Nicotine-Free Generation’ Movement Losing Momentum: Report
Local health boards are increasingly postponing or rejecting new proposals amid mounting opposition from retailers and tobacco industry advocates.
Zest Gets Injunction Against FDA for Pouches
The court found Zest Brands is likely to succeed on claims that the FDA failed to adequately assess the impact of its 2021 PMTA regulations on small businesses.
Kenyan Tobacco Farmers Protest Harsh Working Conditions
Some farmers say they are currently bearing medical costs linked to tobacco-related ailments and accuse companies of not prioritizing worker safety.
Bangladesh’s Bidi Prices Remain Unchanged for FY27
The minister confirmed that the current framework will be maintained, keeping bidi taxation and pricing consistent with the previous fiscal year.
Oman Health Officials Call for Stronger Tobacco Laws
Experts are urging to strengthen enforcement and expand regulatory frameworks to cover both traditional tobacco and newer nicotine products.
Health Groups Urge China to Raise Tobacco Taxes
The discussion comes amid ongoing concerns that smoking rates remain relatively high despite existing control measures.
New Report Predicts 17% Increase in Cigarette Market by 2032
The U.S. cigarette market was valued at $197.3 billion in 2025, while China is projected to expand at a 4.2% CAGR to $162.5 billion by 2032.
AIR Updates Financials After Nasdaq Listing
The company reported a closing price of $6.91 per share and approximately 160.39 million ordinary shares outstanding.
19 AGs Urge F1 to Ban Nicotine Sponsorships
The coalition argued that nicotine-related sponsorships connected to Formula 1 teams and events could expose younger audiences to marketing for addictive products.
Ohio Court to Weigh Cities’ Tobacco Ban Rules
The court’s decision is expected to clarify the scope of municipal “home rule” powers in Ohio and could influence how local governments regulate a range of industries and products.
