Denmark health debate: Tobacco industry funding and youth nicotine addiction

The Danish health organization Kræftens Bekæmpelse has criticized the think tank Røgfri, accusing it of lacking independence despite presenting itself as an autonomous voice in health debates. While Røgfri advocates for banning tobacco sales, it also promotes loosening regulations for other nicotine products, such as nicotine pouches, under the principle of harm reduction. However, the think tank is funded by Nikotinbranchen, an association representing major producers including British American Tobacco Denmark, Philip Morris International Denmark, and Japan Tobacco International Denmark.

Simultaneously, new data from the Statens Institut for Folkesundhed (SIF) reveals a significant nicotine addiction issue among Danish youth. Approximately 32% of individuals aged 15–29 use tobacco or nicotine products. Notably, 250,000 young people—representing 79% of users—have expressed a desire to quit. Health experts from Kræftens Bekæmpelse and TrygFonden have called for political action to phase out the sale of these products, noting that the highly addictive nature of nicotine makes it difficult for youth to quit through willpower alone.