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
JTI Korea Rebrands Ploom Tobacco Sticks as EVO
The EVO lineup features eight variants, mostly mirroring the previous MEVIUS portfolio, and retail pricing remains at $3 per pack.
FDA Outlines Risk-Based Approach to ENDS Flavors
The guidance adopts a “risk-proportionate” approach based on the level of youth appeal associated with different flavors.
BAT Publishes AGM 2026 Notice
Shareholders can access the 2025 Combined Annual and Sustainability Report, performance summaries, AGM Notice, and proxy forms online.
Cigar Bar Bill Passes Iowa Senate
Lawmakers forwarded a Bill to permit licensed establishments where customers can smoke premium cigars while being served alcoholic beverages.
Haypp Launches Caffeine Pouches
The company said the products will be available across its websites in the U.K., U.S., DACH, and Scandinavian markets.
Illicit Cigarettes Threaten Malaysia’s Micro-Businesses
The study found that illegal cigarettes now account for 54.4% of total cigarette consumption, costing as little as 75 cents per pack.
Don’t Criminalize Nicotine Over Illicit Vapes: CAPHRA
CAPHRA calls for stronger enforcement against criminal traffickers, while maintaining access to regulated nicotine alternatives.
Macau Proposes Tougher E-Cigarette, Tobacco Rules
The proposals, aimed at curbing smuggling and teen appeal, also allow frontline monitors to use body cameras.
Philippines Seizes $4M in Undeclared Cigarettes
Officials said the cigarettes were not supported by proper import documents, suggesting an attempt to smuggle regulated goods.
KMI Study Examines Lung Risks and Smoking Habits
Among men, metabolic syndrome prevalence increased to 29.9% in current smokers and 12.6% with women.
Zimbabwe Orders Buyers to Get Active as Tobacco Market Starts Slow
As of March 5, tobacco sales dropped 57% from 2025, with the average price also dropping to $2.85 per kg from $3.35 a year earlier.
Nasco Files to Have Claims Thrown Out of Hestia Lawsuit
Hestia alleges that Nasco breached their agreement by sharply increasing production prices and encouraging retailers to remove their products.
Ireland Seizes €8.5 Million Worth of Illegal Cigarettes
Officers from Revenue Irish Tax and Customs discovered the cigarettes, branded “Richmond,” concealed in a shipment declared as food.
Singapore Approves Tougher Anti-Vaping Law
The law also introduces harsher penalties for offenses involving minors or vulnerable people, including up to 20 years in prison and 15 strokes of the cane.
Bangladesh Moves to Enact Tobacco Control Ordinance Into Law
The ordinance includes strict measures such as banning e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and heated tobacco products.
Pakistan Probes Theft of $900K of Cigarettes From FBR Warehouses
Ten officers have been suspended, while others with potential links to the business community were transferred.
Holman Defends CTP’s ‘Notable Improvement’
Holman said the center has become more receptive to industry and lawmakers, pointing to actions such as a pilot program to fast-track nicotine pouch reviews.
Zimbabwe Assures Farmers as Tobacco Prices Begin Stabilizing
TIMB attributed the sharp early declines to a global oversupply of tobacco, the early opening of sales floors, and limited initial participation by buyers.
S. Africa Exempts Smokeless Tobacco from New Regs
Products such as snus, chewing tobacco, nicotine pouches, and e-cigarettes would be exempt from key provisions of the Bill.
Report Examines Power of Pouches for Women’s Cessation
The report says women often face unique challenges with smoking cessation, including stronger behavioral cues linked to stress, weight management, and social contexts.
Vape Use Rises in Macau Despite Ban
Data show illegal smoking cases rose 27% in 2025, alongside a sharp increase in vaping-related incidents and a 48% rise in violations involving tourists.
Reynolds Pledges $3.2B to U.S. Manufacturing by 2030
The funding will support Reynolds American’s ongoing transition toward a predominantly smokeless portfolio, including modernization and expansion of manufacturing facilities.
China Tobacco Lifts 2025 Profit, Increases Dividend
Reflecting its solid financial performance and cash flow, the board recommended a final dividend of $0.043 per share, bringing the full-year payout to $0.068, a 13% increase.
Tech Offices Offering Nicotine Pouches as Workplace Perk
Some technology companies are placing nicotine pouches in office vending machines with the aim of boosting employee focus and productivity.
Nebraska Cigarette Tax Increase Fails to Advance
The proposal would have raised the state cigarette tax from 64 cents to $1.64 per pack, potentially generating up to $50 million annually to help address Nebraska’s budget deficit.
Bangladesh Losing $480M in Evaded Tobacco Taxes: Study
The research revealed that while manufacturers sell cigarettes to retailers at the printed MRP, retailers often sell them to consumers at significantly higher prices.
Bulgarians Seize 6M Cigarettes in Produce Truck
The shipment, consisting of three popular brands without Bulgarian excise stamps, had a market value of about €1.15 million, with unpaid excise duties totaling €691,560.
ITC Opens ENDS Investigation on Reynolds Complaint
The complaint alleges violations of the PACT Act, and sales of these products threaten the U.S. industry.
JTI’s Cerletti to Lead Cambodia Tobacco Association
Under his leadership, the association aims to promote regulatory compliance, transparency, and sustainable growth in Cambodia’s tobacco sector.
PMI Declares $1.47 Quarterly Dividend
The dividend is payable on April 13 to shareholders of record as of March 19.
Zimbabwe’s 2026 Tobacco Season Opens
The first bale for the 2026 season sold for $4.60 per kg, slightly below last year’s $4.65.
Pakistan Considering Vape Ban
The ministry recommended a complete ban on the use of vapes, citing concerns that these devices could be misused to facilitate drug intoxication.
BAT Facing UK Lawsuit Over North Korea Sanctions
The lawsuit, filed on February 27, accuses BAT of withholding information about its North Korea operations for over a decade.
Scandinavian Reports Financials, Proposes Dividend
For 2026, it expects net sales growth at constant exchange rates of between -2% and 2%, and free cash flow of $152 million to $192 million.
Health Groups Call for F1 to Cut Ties with Pouch Sponsors
In a letter, the groups said the sponsorships undermine the sport’s youth-focused expansion efforts and expose minors to addictive nicotine products.
Article: Ripple Effect of Restrictive Tobacco Regulations in S. Africa
Budeli argues that the crisis illustrates the unintended consequences of overly restrictive regulation and calls for a re-evaluation of South Africa’s approach to tobacco policy.
Black Buffalo Recognizes Retailers as Sales Grow
The company said it remains focused on responsible growth and increasing retail accessibility as it scales distribution across key markets.
Next Gen Nicotine Expo to Be Held in London April 23
NGNE will showcase vape systems, e-liquids, nicotine pouches, heated tobacco, and oral nicotine products, providing a space for industry growth and networking.
TIMB Keeping Tobacco Money Home, Limiting Unregulated Sales
While production growth has been strong, value addition remains subdued at 10.78% against a 30% target.
BAT Uganda Points to Illicits for 18% Revenue Drop
The company attributed the decline to rising tax-evaded cigarette consumption, which research shows reached 45% of the market by December 2025.
