No laughing matter

Tobacco magazine in Hungary has published the second of a two-part interview I did last month.

Asked about the biggest challenges facing Forest, I replied:

“Apart from funding, indifference is the biggest challenge. The war against smoking has been going on for so long that many people – including our own supporters – have grown weary. It is easier to yield to the relentless pressure of the anti-smoking lobby and accept their stance rather than push back and question yet another measure aimed at reducing smoking rates.

“We also fight against portraying smoking as a sinful or disgusting habit. Many people simply enjoy smoking and have no desire to stop. In 2016, Forest commissioned a study conducted by the Centre for Substance Use Research in Glasgow titled The Pleasure of Smoking: The Views of Committed Smokers. The study revealed that many smoke for pleasure and have no wish to quit. This simple fact is often ignored by politicians and the media, and it is our job to inform them about it.

“At the same time, Forest supports the use of harm-reduction products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches. Nevertheless, our core principle remains unchanged: as long as there are adults who choose to smoke, enjoy smoking, and do not wish to quit, we will not abandon them – because we believe that freedom of choice and personal responsibility are fundamental values in a free society.”

You can read the full interview, which includes a link to part one, here.

PS. Not sure why they used this photo. Was it something I said?!