Policymaker Education
We engage with federal and state policymakers to ensure there is a balanced approach to nicotine policy that both protects youth and supports adults who wish to quit smoking.
Harmonzing Tobacco Control
Tobacco control in the United States is currently fragmented.
At the federal level, the regulatory framework acknowledges a continuum of risk among nicotine products and recognizes that some products can help adult smokers transition away from cigarettes, ultimately benefiting public health. Through rigorous scientific reviews, the FDA determines which products meet a public health standard, meaning they could reduce harm if adults switch from smoking to these alternatives.
In contrast, many state and local policies move in the opposite direction, with proposals to ban entire categories of nicotine products, undermining the federal framework. We advocate for state level policies that maximize public health gains by better supporting adults who wish to quit smoking, including transitioning completely to lower risk nicotine products.
We believe a harmonized approach is possible, one that protects youth from nicotine use while also helping more adults successfully quit smoking.
The Network for Principled Nicotine Policy promotes science-based, equitable policies that accelerate the end of cigarette smoking in the United States.
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Position Statements
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Cigarettes as the Primary Threat
Combustible tobacco products are the leading cause of preventable death and disease. Ending their use is our top priority. -
Continuum of Risk
Not all nicotine products are equally harmful. Policies must reflect the scientific consensus that reduced-risk products can play a role in helping adults quit smoking. -
Access & Choice
Adults who smoke should have affordable, legal access to safer nicotine alternatives, while protections remain strong to prevent youth use. -
Public Trust through Transparency
Publicly funded tobacco control efforts must be grounded in evidence, not ideology, and evaluated for effectiveness. -
Equity in Nicotine Policy
Disproportionately impacted communities, including those with higher smoking prevalence, must be at the center of policy solutions.