R Street Institute’s Jeffrey Smith Says Tobacco Harm Reduction Policy Should Focus on Science, Not Perception

Published July 23, 2026 · Featuring Jeffrey Smith of R Street Institute

WASHINGTON — July 23, 2026 — Jeffrey Smith, Senior Fellow at the R Street Institute, discusses the importance of focusing tobacco harm reduction policy on scientific evidence rather than public perception in a recent episode of the Health Policy Podcast. Smith emphasizes the need for clear communication about the risks associated with nicotine products and the potential benefits of reduced-risk alternatives.

In the episode, Smith outlines his background in neuroscience and tobacco policy, detailing how his academic career led him to explore the complexities of nicotine use and harm reduction. He argues that a science-based approach is crucial for informing policymakers and the public about the relative risks of combustible tobacco versus reduced-risk products.

This discussion matters because misconceptions about nicotine and vaping can hinder effective public health strategies. By prioritizing scientific evidence, stakeholders can better address the smoking epidemic and reduce the number of smoking-related deaths, which currently stands at approximately 500,000 annually in the United States.

"From the scientific perspective, when we compare the toxicological risk of a cigarette to the toxicological risk of an ENDS product, they are just two very different products," Smith said. He added, "If the CDC or the FDA says they're just as bad, why change?"

Smith's insights highlight the need for a nuanced understanding of tobacco harm reduction. As the conversation around nicotine products evolves, it is essential for policymakers to consider scientific data to effectively reduce smoking rates and improve public health outcomes.

About R Street Institute

AI Overview The R Street Institute is a nonprofit, center-right public policy research organization (think tank) founded in 2012. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with additional state offices, it promotes free markets and limited, effective government.

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About the Guest

Jeffrey Smith — Senior Fellow

Jeff Smith is a senior fellow for the R Street Institute, where he explores tobacco control and harm reduction from the perspective of clarifying the risks associated with the use of combustible products and the potential of reduced-risk nicotine products to ameliorate disease and death related to smoking. Before joining R Street’s Healthier Communities team, Jeff was a principal scientist in the science and regulatory affairs group at Reynolds American Inc. There, he developed and implemented research procedures to evaluate reduced-risk products—including a novel technique to measure how individuals use electronic nicotine delivery systems—and explored opportunities for potential new product categories beyond nicotine. During a 20-year career in academia, Jeff served as endowed chair of health sciences at Saginaw Valley State University and held professorships at universities in Oregon and Ohio. He published widely in neuroplasticity literature, mentored countless undergraduates, held multiple leadership positions and taught a variety of courses in the behavioral and neurosciences. Jeff holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from Georgia College and State University and a doctorate in behavioral neuroscience from Emory University. He lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with his wife and three lovely cats.

About the Health Policy Podcast

The Health Policy Podcast hosts conversations on energy, infrastructure, policy and economic growth — interviewing the operators, regulators, and innovators powering America's grid, gas, nuclear, and industrial future. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.