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Published: 03 March 2025

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Disposable e-cigarettes are at the forefront of discussions surrounding public health and environmental concerns. These devices, especially popular among adolescents and young adults, have surged in use over the last few years. This article explores the rapid rise of disposable e-cigarettes, their appeal, and the potential dangers they pose to individuals and the environment.

The Growing Popularity of Disposable E-Cigarettes

Disposable e-cigarettes quickly gained traction worldwide, particularly after 2021, due to their ease of use, affordability, and attractive flavour profiles. Unlike earlier vaping devices found mainly in specialist vape shops, disposables are readily available in supermarkets, convenience stores, and online. Their accessible nature makes them especially appealing to younger individuals, including those who have never smoked before.

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) underscores this concerning trend, noting that “disposable e-cigarettes are now the most used product among current vapers, up more than 7-fold from 7% in 2020 and 8% in 2021, to 52% in 2022” (Source: ASH). Studies reflect this growing popularity, with brands like Elf Bar dominating the market in regions such as England due to their sweet flavours and packaging designed to attract younger consumers. However, this surge in usage brings serious health and safety concerns.

Health Implications of Disposable E-Cigarettes

One of the primary concerns surrounding disposable e-cigarettes is their accessibility and rising appeal to young people who might otherwise avoid nicotine. Unlike traditional smoking trends, many users of disposable e-cigarettes—including adolescents—report having no prior smoking experience. This shift in nicotine consumption marks a worrying trend.

According to a report from NPR, “the rise in vaping reversed declines in nicotine use among teens and young adults; cigarette smoking has been declining since the late 1990s, but it has been substantially replaced for young people by newer nicotine technologies” (Source: NPR). This replacement effect highlights how disposable vapes, with their strong nicotine concentrations and appealing flavours, contribute to nicotine dependency in younger demographics.

Furthermore, the presentation of flavoured disposables in bright, attractive packaging normalises the behaviour and often masks the severity of their potential health impacts. Youth-targeted marketing campaigns on social media platforms such as TikTok amplify the problem, glamorising vaping and encouraging experimentation.

Environmental Impact of Disposable E-Cigarettes

One of the most visible issues surrounding disposable e-cigarettes is the environmental destruction caused by improper disposal. These single-use products combine lithium-ion batteries, plastics, and other non-recyclable materials, contributing to waste and pollution. Alarmingly, surveys reveal a significant portion of users dispose of these products with regular household rubbish, creating massive environmental and safety hazards.

The improper handling of these devices not only clogs waste streams but also risks fires at recycling and incineration facilities due to the lithium-ion batteries they contain. The growing reliance on disposables represents an unsustainable trend that demands urgent and coordinated global action.

Stricter Regulations and the Call for Research

Given the explosive growth of disposable e-cigarettes, governments worldwide are scrambling to implement regulations. The UK has already announced plans to ban the sale of disposables by June 2025, while Australia has stopped the importation of such devices altogether. These measures aim to curtail their availability, particularly to younger users, and address the mounting environmental repercussions.

Even so, challenges remain. Manufacturers are already pivoting to “reusable disposable” models that mimic single-use designs under the guise of compliance with new regulations. This tactic underscores the urgent need for research and policies to anticipate and adapt to industry tactics. Insightful studies must stay ahead of these trends, focusing on understanding the impact of disposables on broader public health and the environment.

Tackling the Impact of Single-Use Vapes

The rapid rise of disposable e-cigarettes is becoming a serious public health and environmental issue. These single-use vapes are easy to get hold of and cleverly marketed, making them especially appealing to younger people. As a result, more and more young users are picking up nicotine habits at alarming rates. On top of that, the way these devices are thrown away is causing significant harm to the environment.

While some countries are starting to take action to tackle this problem, there’s still a long way to go. Stronger rules, better education, and stricter enforcement are all needed to control the spread of these single-use vapes. By working together, we can protect both people’s health and the planet, shifting the focus from short-term convenience to long-term responsibility.

What You Need to Know – Australian Law

Australia has after much advocacy, and sadly, some compromise introduced clear laws around Vapes and E-Cigarettes. On 1 July 2024, the law changed so that all vapes and vaping products, regardless of whether they contain nicotine or not, can only be sold in a pharmacy for the purpose of helping people quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence.

It is illegal for any other business, such as tobacconists, vape shops and convenience stores, to sell any type of vape or vape product. 

From 1 October 2024, people 18 years and older can buy vapes from participating pharmacies with a nicotine concentration of 20 mg/mL or less without a prescription, where state and territory laws allow. 

They must talk with the pharmacist before purchasing. This includes:

• discussing the product and dosage
• discussing other options to quit smoking and/or manage nicotine dependence
• providing identification (for proof of age purposes only).

Only one month’s supply can be purchased over the course of one month.

People under 18 years need a prescription to access vapes, where state and territory laws allow, to ensure they get appropriate medical advice and supervision.

People who need vapes with a higher concentration of nicotine than 20 mg/mL also need a prescription, regardless of their age.

Flavours are restricted to mint, menthol and tobacco, and vapes must adhere to plain pharmaceutical packaging standards. 

The Therapeutic Goods Administration is leading the development of these reforms

The new Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2023 started from 1 April 2024. The same bans that apply to tobacco advertising and sponsorship will apply to vapes. (Dept of Health & Aged Care) (Source: Wiley Online Library)

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Published: 26 February 2025

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Chemsex is a dangerous and rising phenomenon that merges substance abuse with sexual behaviour. It primarily involves the use of psychoactive drugs to intensify or prolong sexual activity. While it may initially appear as an escape or a way to enhance pleasure, chemsex brings severe health and societal risks that cannot be overlooked.

What Is Chemsex? Chemsex refers to the intentional use of particular substances, such as methamphetamines, mephedrone, ketamine, or gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (commonly known as GHB or “G”), to enhance sexual experiences. It is most commonly practised within some men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) communities but has broader implications for public health. One of the riskiest behaviours associated with chemsex is injecting drugs (“slamsex”), which significantly increases vulnerabilities.

The Serious Health Risks of Chemsex

Physical Health Consequences: Engaging in chemsex is directly linked to dangerous physical outcomes. Intense and prolonged sexual activity, often with multiple partners, increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. The practice not only undermines personal safety but also places a burden on public health systems due to rising infection rates.

Mental Health Dangers: The psychological effects of chemsex can be equally, if not more, damaging. Participants often report feelings of isolation, guilt, and anxiety after engaging in these activities. Many individuals struggling with this behaviour also have underlying emotional or social challenges that are exacerbated by drug use, leading to a vicious cycle of dependency and despair. Suicidal thoughts, psychosis, and emotional instability are increasingly reported as side effects of this destructive practice.

Substance Dependency: Regular chemsex practices often evolve into a dependency on potent psychoactive substances. The effects of such dependency are far-reaching, impacting both physical and mental well-being. Over time, the body builds a tolerance for the substances, increasing the risk of overdose and long-term health deterioration.

A Call to Action: Chemsex is not just a personal health issue; it reflects a systemic societal problem. A culture that tolerates and enables substance use normalises these risky behaviours, deepening community vulnerabilities. Public policies must address drug use with firm measures that prioritise prevention rather than management. (For complete article go to  WRD News)

Also see Ripple Effect – Chemsex, Violence, Road Toll, and the Growing Failure of Misused Drug Policy: Reducing or Increasing Harms?

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Published: 15 January 2025

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Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) is a serious and complex condition that deserves more attention in discussions about substance use. It involves persistent perceptual disturbances that continue long after the use of certain psychoactive substances, particularly hallucinogens like LSD and psilocybin. This disorder is not just rare—it significantly affects the lives of those who experience it, leading to distress, disrupted daily functioning, and a significant decline in quality of life.

What Is HPPD?

HPPD occurs when individuals re-experience perceptual symptoms they first encountered during drug use. These are not ordinary hallucinations but rather “pseudo-hallucinations,” which means the affected person is fully aware that these perceptions are not real. Symptoms commonly include visual disturbances like halos around lights, trailing images, or patterns that linger in one’s vision.

This condition often follows the use of classic psychedelics, but it’s not exclusive to them. Other substances, including MDMA, ketamine, and even cannabinoids, have also been linked to HPPD in some cases. Alarmingly, there have been instances of symptoms appearing after non-hallucinogenic substances, such as amphetamines or certain prescription medications. This broad connection to various substances raises significant concerns.

Who Does It Affect?

The prevalence of HPPD is difficult to pin down, but existing studies offer worrying insights. Research suggests that around 4.2% of psychedelic users may experience HPPD, with most affected individuals being young, typically in their early twenties. The disorder’s elusiveness is further compounded by its overlap with other medical and psychological conditions, making proper diagnosis a complex task.

It’s worth noting that symptoms can persist for an extended time, making the long-term effects on cognitive and psychological health a pressing issue. The persistence of visual disturbances can itself impact tasks requiring focus and visual processing, further interfering with everyday life.

The Neuropsychological Impact of HPPD

HPPD is not only a matter of distorted perception—it may also carry cognitive implications. Studies exploring its effects on brain function have revealed potential deficits, particularly in visual-spatial memory, executive functioning, and cognitive flexibility. For instance, difficulties were observed in tasks that required visual recall or problem-solving under changing rules and conditions.

While formal statistical analyses have yet to establish significant group differences, individual cases frequently highlight below-average performance in key cognitive areas. This suggests that the effects of HPPD could be more pronounced than larger group studies are currently capable of capturing with small sample sizes.

A Warning for Substance Use

One of the most concerning aspects of HPPD is its unpredictable nature. Not everyone who uses hallucinogens will experience HPPD, but for those who do, the consequences can be lasting and life-altering. Some individuals developed the condition after just one instance of using psychedelics. This unpredictability underlines the significant risks of deliberate substance use—risks that often go unspoken in settings that romanticise or downplay the dangers of psychoactive substances.

Even beyond the physical and mental toll on functionality, substance use of this kind comes with a range of unknowns. Substances used recreationally may vary in purity, dose, and quality, which only heightens the danger.

Moving Forward with Knowledge

Understanding HPPD gives us insight into how harmful hallucinogens and other psychoactive substances can be. When perceptual disturbances interfere with basic daily actions and cognitive functions, it becomes clear that the risks heavily outweigh the supposed “benefits” often touted about psychedelics. While some argue for their controlled use, the evidence strongly suggests that the unpredictable consequences extend far beyond what anyone anticipates.

This condition serves as a stark reminder that no psychoactive substance is truly “safe.” For those considering hallucinogens, it’s crucial to fully appreciate the possibility of severe, lasting consequences like HPPD. The more people know about these risks, the better chance we have to prevent unnecessary suffering. Living without drugs is the best way to stay healthy and keep a clear mind. (Source: Nature)

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Published: 14 January 2025

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The resurgence of psychedelics in the United States has reignited fierce debates about their safety, efficacy, and the ethical concerns surrounding their use in mental health treatment. Once dismissed as dangerous hallucinogens associated with counterculture movements, substances like MDMA and psilocybin are now being promoted as potential therapies for mental health disorders. But despite the rising enthusiasm, serious risks and controversies overshadow the movement’s credibility.

Recent developments have exposed significant flaws in the drive to legitimise psychedelics as a medical treatment. Leading the charge has been the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), founded by Rick Doblin. For years, MAPS championed MDMA, also known as “ecstasy,” as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), claiming it could help trauma survivors where traditional therapies had failed. However, these bold claims met resistance in August when the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rejected MAPS’s application to approve MDMA for PTSD treatment. The FDA cited unresolved safety concerns and demanded more rigorous research—raising alarm bells about potential harm to vulnerable patients.

Among the issues flagged was the problem of “functional unblinding” in clinical trials. Participants who took MDMA often recognised its effects compared to those given a placebo, potentially biasing the results. Critics argue that such methodological weaknesses undermine the reliability of the findings, making it difficult to separate genuine therapeutic benefits from placebo effects. Additionally, reports of trial participants suffering adverse side effects, including increased suicidal thoughts, cast further doubt on the safety of MDMA in a clinical context.

The lack of robust regulation within the psychedelic movement has also come under fire. Allegations of misconduct during therapy sessions, including inappropriate behaviours by therapists, have been particularly troubling. These incidents suggest that in the rush to advocate psychedelics, the movement has overlooked essential safeguards. Ethical practices have been questioned as some researchers and therapists appear more aligned with the movement’s countercultural roots than with professional medical standards.

From a scientific standpoint, the evidence supporting the use of psychedelics remains alarmingly weak. A Cochrane Review, known for its rigorous analysis of clinical research, assessed psychedelic studies and rated the quality of evidence as “low to very low.” Serious adverse events, including hospitalisations and even fatalities, have been documented in individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions—the very group these treatments are intended to help. These findings underscore the need for extreme caution when considering psychedelics as an alternative to established therapies.

The cultural aspect of the movement further complicates its acceptance within mainstream medicine. Psychedelics are often promoted in a utopian, almost evangelical manner, with supporters touting them as groundbreaking solutions to mental health challenges. However, this fervour risks undermining the scientific objectivity required to evaluate such treatments. For critics, the movement’s idealistic approach appears reckless, prioritising ideology over patient safety and scientific integrity.

The FDA’s rejection of MDMA has prompted some within the movement to re-evaluate their approach. Both Rick Doblin and Lykos Therapeutics’ CEO have stepped down, signalling efforts to professionalise the field and align it more closely with the standards of pharmaceutical regulation. Despite this, the question remains whether the psychedelic industry can overcome its legacy of countercultural enthusiasm and deliver on its promises in a safe, evidence-based manner.

Ultimately, the psychedelic movement’s push for medical legitimacy presents a stark warning about the dangers of rushing experimental treatments into practice. Psychedelics, if mishandled, could not only harm vulnerable individuals but also undermine trust in scientific and psychiatric advances. Until rigorous trials and clear ethical boundaries are established, these substances remain a highly risky proposition, raising more concerns than they answer in the complex landscape of mental health care.

(Source: WRD News)