Month: October 2023

Since the opening of the e-cigarette exhibition in the UK on September 27, 2023, 2FIRSTS has observed for two consecutive days and found that, unlike the bustling scene of the UK exhibition at the same period last year, this exhibition is relatively quiet. Both the number of exhibitors and the number of visitors have decreased significantly, to the point where “bleak” can be used to describe it.

 

 

According to 2FIRSTS, the e-cigarette exhibition in the UK this year featured more than 150 participating companies, only half the number of exhibitors compared to last year’s exhibition. The number of on-site visitors has sharply declined, with a significant portion of them attending in hopes of obtaining a free e-cigarette. Many of the attendees were seen carrying bags, both big and small, filled with complimentary e-cigarettes. They expressed that the £15 entrance fee was very much worth it.

 

 

A visitor to the exhibition informed 2FIRSTS that she has been attending British exhibitions for several years, and she noticed that the number of visitors at this exhibition is much lower compared to the exhibitions held in May of this year and the same period last year.

 

 

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An overwhelming 88% of participants in a local survey supported the sale of regulated nicotine vaping products through licensed retail outlets, akin to the sales of alcohol and tobacco.

A comprehensive review on the latest evidence on nicotine vaping has been sent to all Members of Parliament across the Australian federal, state, and territory governments. Authored by a panel of leading Australian experts in the fields of smoking addiction and harm reduction: Dr. Colin Mendelsohn, Dr. Alex Wodak AM, Emeritus Professor Wayne Hall AM, FASSA. FAHMS and Professor Ron Borland FASSA, the report presented a detailed analysis of the risks versus benefits of vaping. Collectively, these authors have contributed to nearly 1,650 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and books, and none of them have ever received funding from vape or tobacco companies.

The review details the potential of vapes as smoking cessation aids, the challenges associated with teen vaping, and critiques Australia’s prescription-only regulatory approach. Moreover, it debunks common misconceptions about vaping and provides evidence-based recommendations to guide policymakers towards the most favorable public health outcomes.

In the executive summary of the report, the following key areas were addressed: 

Health Effects: The evidence highlights that vaping is considerably less detrimental to health than traditional smoking. Vapour contains only a fraction of the harmful substances present in tobacco smoke, and these are delivered in significantly reduced doses. It is highly probable that the long-term risks of vaping are markedly lower than those associated with smoking. Notably, there is no current evidence supporting the notion that vaping poses harm to bystanders.

Potential as a Smoking Cessation Aid: The review underscores that vaping is, at a minimum, as effective as other methods of quitting smoking. However countless studies  have indicated that it is the favoured approach for smokers seeking to quit. Owing to its effectiveness and popularity, vaping has played a pivotal role in accelerating the reduction of smoking rates in countries where it is readily available.

Youth Vaping: The data suggests that the majority of vaping among young individuals with no prior smoking experience is experimental and short-lived, with regular vaping being a rarity. To this effect, the health risks associated with youth vaping are relatively minor, and the apparent connection between vaping and smoking likely results from shared vulnerabilities. At the population level, youth vaping appears to replace smoking, which can be considered as a positive public health outcome.

Nicotine and Dependence: Findings indicate that vaping is less habit-forming than smoking, and when consumed via vaping, nicotine may be considered relatively benign at the doses found in vapes.

Failures in the Current Regulatory Model: The Australian prescription-only regulatory model for vaping has inadvertently fueled a black market controlled by criminal networks, enabling unrestricted access to vaping products by youth.

In light of these findings, the review proposes several recommendations for policy adjustments, which can be summarized as follows:

Classify low concentrations of nicotine as consumer products.
Establish a tightly regulated consumer model where nicotine vapes are sold as adult consumer products through licensed retail outlets, with rigorous age verification protocols in place.
Implement severe penalties and license revocations for sales to minors.
Craft regulations that are proportional to the risks associated with vaping compared to smoking.
Create an alternative therapeutic goods pathway for products that meet the standards set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

What does the public want?

In line with these recommendations, a recent market research study conducted by RedBridge among 1,500 Australian adults, revealed that an overwhelming majority, 88%, support the sale of regulated nicotine vaping products through licensed retail outlets, akin to the sale of alcohol and tobacco. Commissioned by the Australian Association of Convenience Stores, this research reinforces the findings of a Roy Morgan survey from March 2023, which indicated that 73% of Australians favour an age-restricted retail model with licensed retailers.

The survey also highlighted a widespread dissatisfaction with the current prescription-only model for vaping. Approximately two-thirds of respondents view government efforts to regulate vaping as poor or very poor, with just 2% expressing high confidence in the prescription-only approach’s effectiveness. This frustration has been exacerbated by the emergence of a thriving black market for vapes, making unregulated products fully available to both adults and minors.

Only 2% expressed high confidence in the prescription-only approach

Notably, 61% of respondents indicated that a political party’s stance on vape regulations would influence their voting decisions. Support for retail sale was consistent across various age groups and political affiliations.

Australia’s prescription-only model has largely been rejected by adult vapers, with over 90% obtaining vaping products illegally due to the stringent regulations. Only 8% of vapers have a nicotine prescription, underscoring the disconnect between government regulations and public behavior.

The strong public support for regulated retail sale of nicotine vaping products will hopefully lead to a shift in Australia’s approach to vaping regulation in the future. It is very clear that voters are in favour of vape regulations similar to the ones set on tobacco and alcohol. Disregarding this sentiment could lead to a political cost, and if nothing else, hopefully this will motivate local authorities to change strategy.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mendelsohn told Vaping Post that his colleagues and himself have not received a response on the review yet, and based on past events it is sadly safe to assume that they are not surprised. “We have received acknowledgement of receipt from several MPs, but no response to the content.”

Australia’s Anti-Tobacco Harm Reduction Movement Continues

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This week’s THR Superstar is Kim “Skip” Murray!

I started this series of interviews to shine a spotlight on those who fight to protect the rights of those of us who benefit from safer nicotine products.

Skip works so hard, not only is she a Fellow of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) Consumer Center and contributes to the Safer Nicotine Wiki – she is also very active on social media and writing articles on the subject of Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR).

Tell me a little about your life and career so far…

I am 65 years old and have zero desire to retire – I like to work.

Having been involved in volunteer work since I was a kid – I believe it’s important to work together to make the world a better place. I have never been very career orientated. Previously I’ve done a little bit of everything, from manufacturing, to retail, to restaurant management, and spent some time as a musician.

I currently work two part-time jobs. I’ve worked at a group home for over 10 years. We provide services to adults living with disabilities. I’ve been at Taxpayers Protection Alliance since the spring of 2022. At TPA I am their Consumer Center Research Fellow.

I love learning and sharing what I’ve learned. I used to be the Co-Director of Unclaimed Persons. UP is a group of volunteer Forensic Genealogists who help coroners find the living next of kin for someone who has passed away with no known family.

The skills I learned doing that work helps me with my work at TPA. Those skills also help me in my volunteer work helping build a resource about safer alternatives to smoking at the Safer Nicotine Wiki.

In 2020 while seeking help for depression and anxiety, I was diagnosed with ADHD and Autism. Now, much of my volunteer work for Tobacco Harm Reduction has a focus on older people, people living with mental illnesses or neurodivergence, and other communities with higher smoking rates.

Have you been a smoker? If so how long did you smoke for?

Before I answer this, I want to jump on my soapbox for a minute – or, in kinder terms, advocate against stigma.

I would prefer the first part was worded: “Have you ever smoked?”

My reason: We no longer refer to people who use drugs (PWUD) as addicts, junkies, crack-heads, etc., because it is considered stigmatising language. It is considered more compassionate to use people-first language. And I feel people who smoke (PWS) deserve the same respect and compassion as anyone else who uses a substance, or has an illness/disability, or a behaviour that society looks on in a negative way.

2/2
We still call people who smoke (PWS) “smokers.”

The UK is a world leader in tobacco harm reduction. It is my hope they will also be a leader and put an end to stigmatizing PWS. @Sharon_ACox @LindaBauld @LynneDawkins @jhb19 @AddictionUea @grannylouisa @SwitchFinder pic.twitter.com/848Iwuk19c

— Skip Murray (@imaracingmom) July 26, 2023

I try to avoid using “smoker.” I also feel it’s important to respect how anyone/group chooses to self-identify. So, I have no objections to someone identifying themselves as a “smoker,” but I think journalists, scientists, health care practitioners, regulators, and people in public health should attempt to avoid using “smoker.”

To answer your question: Yes, I used to smoke. I started smoking in 1969 when I was 10, and by the end of high school I was smoking two packs a day.

Do you vape? If so when did you start? What was your first kit?

I started vaping in 2014. I was helping my son at his vape shop and he didn’t like me sneaking out the back door to smoke. So he gave me a vape pen and asked me to vape when I was at the shop.

I had tried to quit smoking many times and always failed – or quit for a short period of time and went back to smoking. I had no intention of quitting smoking when I started vaping.

Some of Skip’s vape collection! (Taken from her Twitter / X post)

But a surprising thing happened, I started vaping more and smoking less. Around the 1st of March, 2015 I realised I didn’t know when I had last smoked. I had accidentally quit smoking!!!

How did vaping change your life?

Ah! In so many ways! Physically, a huge change is I no longer cough up crud all the time.

Since learning I have ADHD I use many forms of nicotine (vape, lozenges, pouches, and the patch) to help minimise the symptoms of ADHD. I sometimes struggle to focus or to sleep because my brain is busy almost all the time. I’ve learned that the nicotine is helpful to me, it helps quiet my mind so I am able to focus and able to turn off the constant thoughts so I can sleep.

Taken from Skip’s Twitter / X post

Vaping has also given me the opportunity to be useful – to help people. Whenever I meet someone who wants to quit smoking, I try to help them find what works for them so they can achieve that goal. Most of the time that is vaping, but not always. When someone is ready to stop smoking, I don’t care how they quit, I care that they find what works for them so they can quit.

What kits stand out for you in your vaping journey and what is your current set up? What kind of device do you prefer?

Would you believe that’s a hard question?

My favourite has nothing to do with the brand or how it functions. I have a really cool box mod that was a gift from my son. It was custom made by a builder in Texas. My son knows I love “Steam Punk” things, so he had the builder Hydro-dip the mod in a really cool gear motif that has a steam punk vibe to it. It was my Mother’s Day gift a few years ago.

Skip’s Steam Punk Mod

I have a huge collection of devices and use a variety of products. There are several pod devices that I use for high nicotine liquids to self-medicate my ADHD. I also have strong sensory needs, which are probably a part of the autism. For those sensory needs, I use mods and tanks with lower nicotine, so that I can chain vape and exhale more vapour much to my sensory delight.

Plenty of stimulants to achieve my mission to stay focused and complete a step of a big project.#ADHD pic.twitter.com/MYiaE8mnAj

— Skip Murray (@imaracingmom) August 13, 2023

What flavour is your preference?

Flavoured Coffee – either Caramel, Vanilla, or Mocha. It is the only kind of flavour I enjoy. I will vape other flavours if I have to, but the Coffee flavours are the only ones I like.

pic.twitter.com/96BzTTz7h7

— Skip Murray (@imaracingmom) September 29, 2023

When did you first become involved in vaping advocacy / tobacco harm reduction and why?

Once I saw vaping help my son and I quit smoking, advocating for this life-saving technology was the right thing for me to do.

Almost everyone in my family smoked and so did most of my friends. In my early 50’s, I became the family elder on Mom’s side of the family.

Smoking related causes contributed to the deaths of her and so many others. Several of my friends that were my age have also passed away from smoking related causes.

I want to help others not smoke, so their loved ones will never know the pain I’ve known.

What current roles do you hold within THR?

I think my primary role is to humanise the debate over the use of nicotine.

I took over ownership of my son’s shop in 2018 and went out of business in 2021.

Because I’m a consumer of alternative nicotine products, have witnessed the devastating effects of smoking, and formerly involved in the small business part of the industry I can offer a variety of perspectives to people interested in learning more about tobacco harm reduction.

And with the simple turn of a key in a lock, it’s over. Lakes Vape & Rec Supply is officially closed. My heart is broken and I wish I could go crawl in a hole somewhere and never come out. A piece of me just died. I’m not thrilled right now that the rest of me is still here. pic.twitter.com/WUOsGsz6h7

— Skip Murray (@imaracingmom) December 31, 2021

Back in 2020 several advocates on Twitter (now X) were discussing their collections of research and how best to share it with others. We decided that a Wiki would be user friendly and a way for volunteers from around the world to share information. We hoped to create a resource that would be helpful. Richard Pruen had the tech skills and equipment to set up the Wiki and Safer Nicotine Wiki was born.

Lindsey Stroud and I are good friends. We enjoy working on things together. A fun project was gathering and sharing the stories of older people who quit smoking (Golden Oldies Capitol Tours).

Lindsey and I have spent years collaborating, fact checking and proof reading each other’s work. She is the Director of the Consumer Center at Taxpayers Protection Alliance and offered me a position as a consultant last year. This year they hired me as their Research Fellow.

What current projects / campaigns are you working on?

That list is endless! I have a huge collection of Google Docs of notes, all pertaining to things I’m working on or want to work on.

This year, I’m trying to focus on goals and trade-offs. I started with making my New Year’s Resolutions my goals – I want to foster communication, build bridges, and amplify voices. I focus a lot of my work on misinformation, stigma and biases, and what we need to do to change the conversation about nicotine.

What do you feel needs to change regarding tobacco harm reduction Worldwide?

What I think needs to change is the war mentality held by many on the various sides of the nicotine debate. It feels to me like people get stuck on “winning” the fight and have lost sight of who the real winners and losers are, which are the people who smoke. It seems like there is a greater effort to focus on differences than on finding common ground with those a person disagrees with.

Any countries you feel are succeeding in THR?

Sweden (Snus) and the UK (Vaping) hands down have the lead in that department.

I hear that Iceland has quietly dropped their smoking rates with nicotine pouches and vapes.

In Japan, smoking rates have dropped thanks to the popularity of Heated Tobacco Products.

New Zealand and Canada have also had some success, but are taking steps to slide backwards. And while regulation wise, the US doesn’t get much right, the consumers have made great strides in peer to peer support and helping each other stop smoking.

How would you advise people who vape to get involved and stand up for their rights?

The most important thing people who use safer nicotine products can do is to use their voices and share their stories. They are important!! Keep writing, calling, and testifying – don’t give up. Join the consumer advocacy groups that represent them.

Have you ever been “star struck” meeting people who you admire – so who?

Oh, my, yes! All of them! There are so many incredible consumer advocates, scientists, and people who believe in the power of THR.

I think it’s an honour to meet each and every one of them. It is one of the best parts about going to a conference. I love getting the opportunity to meet people I know from the internet in person, or to meet those who’s work I have read.

What are your proudest moments in your advocacy career?

Every person I have helped to stop smoking is my #1 proudest moments.

And surprise, after a couple of days with their new plan, they had their first day of not smoking! OMGosh, I miss those days of enthusiastic reports from people who have quit smoking! #TEARS, so many tears! It was the best phone call.
5/x

— Skip Murray (@imaracingmom) July 7, 2023

Every time someone mentions that instead of being an “angry troll” they have been kind to someone they disagree with because I’ve encouraged them to #BeKind is #2.

10-on-Mohs-Scale Hard co-sign for @CrisDelnevo‘s reco to read @imaracingmom‘s piece in @Filtermag_org.

Your heart might break a bit, but that’s part of being an #UsNotThem #SupportNotStigma human.#BeLikeSkip https://t.co/OzjwrprfJt

— Joe Gitchell (@jgitchell) September 15, 2023

Being brave enough to use my voice in ways I never imagined I could is #3, and was the hardest to do, because I didn’t value myself enough to believe my voice was worth hearing.

What would be a campaign you would love to start if there were no obstacles?

Easiest question of the interview!

I think sometimes as individuals it is too easy to focus on one thing, when it’s several things that contribute to a person ending up where they do. So while my primary focus would be to load up my car with safer nicotine products and hit the road and hand them out to any adults who want to quit smoking, it would be important to me to address the other issues that might be contributing to why they smoke.

So I would need to be able to feed the hungry, put a roof over the heads of those who have no shelter, find mental health services to those who need them and don’t have access to them. I would need to work on programs that address so many inequities in our society.

5/x pic.twitter.com/2oHKLFAyDx

— Skip Murray (@imaracingmom) October 1, 2023

Help people find decent employment. Help with child care. A one woman social services providing whatever people need from the magical trunk of her car that never runs out of needed supplies.

I really don’t like to see people hurting and I wish I had the power to help more people.

Who (or W.H.O. hahaha 😉 ) is the biggest enemy when it comes to tobacco harm reduction?

Oh my goodness! LOL I’m glad we’re not back in time to a couple of years ago! That question would have triggered a rant and I would have provided you with a LONG list of individuals and organisations who I not only felt were all the biggest enemies of THR, I took it personal and they were MY enemies! It used to be my mission to fight all of them with everything I could think of, to show the world how right I was and how wrong they are…

pic.twitter.com/yEYZgknZx6

— Skip Murray (@imaracingmom) June 10, 2023

But that is not my strategy anymore. I was so angry and frustrated. And the only people who were listening to me were the folks in my THR tribe, who would always agree with me. I can’t be a part of bringing about change if I alienate the people who I want to listen to me!

I don’t want to show the people who agree with me that I’m right – I want to save the lives of people who smoke.

So now, my strategy is to be kind. Extra kind to people I don’t agree with, even if they chose to be nasty to me.

I listen. Not so I can think of what to say next, but to actually hear them. To learn where they are coming from, to understand why they believe what they believe. I try really hard to find common ground with them. Something we have in common in our lives, and work from there. I’ve learned I can’t change a mind in a single conversation. Now, I like to plant seeds and see if they grow.

May I suggest a first step?
(Y’all know I’m going to!!!)
Let’s change our framing (attitude).
Perhaps “enemy” isn’t the best choice of words.
Maybe if we start with “people who think differently,” would leave the door open wider for conversations?

— Skip Murray (@imaracingmom) July 1, 2023

So, to answer your question, my personal experience has shown me that a war mentality – held by folks on all sides of the debate – is the biggest enemy to THR.

In other words, I have the same answer to two of your questions – what needs to change the most and what is the biggest enemy! We are talking about saving lives – how can “war” and “survival” be a part of the same conversation? It can’t be if we are focused on the people who need our support the most.

Is there a message you would like to give our readers?

Take the high road. No matter how frustrating it gets trying to keep THR products on the market, be kind and respectful. You never know who will see/hear your words. Be the person who sounds reasonable.

Finally if you could give an “Ecigclick Award” to any person, product or company in the vaping industry / advocacy circle – who / what would it be?

I see you saved the hardest question for last. Almost everyone in this space is my source of inspiration. They all deserve an award.

It’s not possible for me to pick a product or company because everyone is different and the best way to help people stop smoking is to have as many options available as possible. There are many good companies out there who act in a responsible way and have generously supported advocacy.

It would only take me a few minutes to name off hundreds of individuals who are stars in their own right.

But, if I have to pick only one, I would pick Joe Gitchell.

He is a wealth of knowledge and very humble. I am impressed with his kindness, understanding, patience, and emotional intelligence. He is a fascinating combination of friend and mentor. He helped me find my voice and then helped me be brave enough to use it. But it wasn’t enough to just use my voice, I needed to find a way to use it that worked for me, and thanks to Joe I have found that way. He is very accepting of people just the way they are.

After the flood of diagnosis’s in 2020, Joe has helped me learn how to be myself and be true to myself. One of the greatest gifts in life is the day a person is able to look in the mirror and like the person looking back. It took me over 60 years to experience that day. I owe a lot of that to Joe.

I also owe it to other people in the THR space, who have also extended kindness and support along the way. And that is the best part of being involved in THR advocacy. The great numbers of good people who take the time to lift each other up, who cheer for each other, and offer support any way they can. All while working their rears off to help save lives.

It is truly an honour to be a part of all of this.

Thank You

I would like to thank you so much Skip for honouring us with your time and some of your precious brain power to answer our questions!

You work so hard to stand up for us who use safer nicotine products and we are proud of the work you do!

And of course you have the kindest heart!

As an adult going through the process of being diagnosed with Autism myself (been on a waiting list for over 2 years) I can really relate to how Skip feels.

Skip has discussed this with me and offered support. So I send love and strength to her and more importantly – total understanding. Which a lot of us adults with Autism feel is missing from our lives.

You can get in touch with Skip on Twitter / X: imaracingmom

Or Read her articles on Muck Rack here.

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From October 27th to 28th, during the e-cigarette exhibition in the United Kingdom, 2FIRSTS observed that multiple brands unveiled e-cigarette products with golden packaging. These devices closely resembled gleaming gold bars, creating a strong sense of opulence throughout the venue, commonly known as the “nouveau riche trend”.

 

At the exhibition, 2FIRSTS noticed that the e-cigarette designs of several brands such as AU GOLD and GOLD MARY are strikingly similar to the renowned disposable e-cigarette brand GOLD BAR, featuring a “gold bar” appearance.

 

In response to this, 2FIRSTS sought the opinion of GOLD BAR on this trend. On-site staff stated that their gold bar e-cigarette product has gained smooth business development due to its unique concept and design. They also expressed pride in discovering that numerous brands have adopted a similar design style at this exhibition.

 

According to an observation by 2FIRSTS, GOLD BAR’s products initially gained popularity in the Middle Eastern market. By mid-2023, their products started to gain recognition in the UK market, with many e-cigarette stores beginning to sell their related products.

 

The personnel at GOLD BAR informed 2FIRSTS that their previous focus had been on disposable e-cigarettes. However, they have recently recognized the potential in the pod-based market and are now planning a rapid launch of pod-based products. Additionally, they intend to expand their product line to include open system products and e-liquids, in order to cater to a wider range of consumer needs.

 

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According to the latest trade data from the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China, 2FIRSTS has compiled the e-cigarette export figures from China to Japan in September 2023. The details are as follows:

 

The export value reached approximately $17.29 million, recording a month-on-month growth of 25.80% but witnessing a year-on-year decrease of 71.00%.

 

 

The export volume reached approximately 116 tons, with a month-on-month increase of 13.90% but a year-on-year decline of 67.15%.

 

The export unit price for e-cigarettes was 148.46 US dollars per kilogram, with a month-on-month increase of 10.45% but a year-on-year decrease of 11.72%. Meanwhile, the average price for “personal electronic vaporizers such as e-cigarettes” was 20.22 US dollars per unit.

 

Among them, “e-cigarettes and similar personal electronic vaporizers” accounted for 99.35% of the export category, while “non-combustible products containing no tobacco or reconstituted tobacco but with nicotine for non-smoking use” accounted for 0.65%.

 

According to data from P&S Market Research, the e-cigarette market in Japan is expected to reach $4.5 billion by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 22.6% from 2019 to 2024. The awareness of the harmful effects of traditional smoking has been increasing, leading to a rise in the usage of e-cigarettes (including tobacco heating products) among the general public. In the past, middle-aged individuals aged 35-44 were considered the primary consumer group for such e-cigarettes. Major players in the Japanese e-cigarette market include Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco Inc., Achia Group, and Imperial Brands.

 

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The  consultation consists of a document and a set of questions, and will be open for submissions from now until December 6th.

Last week, the UK’s Department of Health and Social Care released a consultation aimed at gathering data with regards to smoking and vaping-related concerns, in a collaborative process will involve the administrations of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These concerns are primarily based on fears that young individuals my develop a lifelong nicotine addiction by experimenting with the products.

On the other hand, tobacco harm reduction experts believe that some of the proposed restrictions will be counterproductive and may reverse the progress achieved locally in reducing smoking rates. The New Nicotine Alliance (NNA) listed the potential threats as follows:

Potential harsh measures vape flavours, such as allowing only tobacco-flavoured vapes.
Restricting vaping products to being stored behind counters, whether displayed or concealed, similar to  regulations on cigarettes. The document discusses the potential for an exemption for vape shops, though it remains uncertain.
Restrictions on packaging for vapes, with proposals ranging from banning child-friendly imagery to implementing plain packaging, similar to cigarette packaging.
Debating whether to prohibit the sale of single-use (disposable) vaping products and exploring how such a ban should be enforced.
Considering the inclusion of non-nicotine products within existing legislation designed for nicotine-containing vapes.
Discussing the regulation of nicotine pouches in a manner similar to vaping products.
Exploring the possibility of taxing vaping products to discourage use among youth.
Addressing the issue of heated tobacco products and their potential inclusion in the proposed generational ban on cigarette sales to those born after January 1, 2009.

 Vapers urged to have their say

Titled, “Creating a smokefree generation and tackling youth vaping: your views,” the  consultation consists of a document and a set of questions, and welcomes the participation from both groups and individuals. The consultation document will be open for submissions from now until December 6th.

NNA trustee Michelle Jones has written a helpful guide with the aim of assisting anyone who may be unsure on what to submit. Additionally, some may find helpful reading the NNA’s prior response to the government’s call for evidence that preceded this consultation. In this response, the NNA provided various insights about the danger of excessive regulation in this area.

A ban on disposables with be counterproductive

Meanwhile, a  briefing paper from the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) warns that a ban on disposable vapes, will not really prevent teen vaping, but is likely to deter adult smokers from switching from smoking to vaping. Vaping has helped millions of people quit smoking, explains the paper, and a ban on disposables takes away a safer choice which is easy to start the transition to vaping with, given its non committal nature.

The paper, A Vapid Solution: Why banning disposable e-cigarettes would be a failure of law-enforcement insists that the government should instead focus on enforcing existing laws against underage vaping.

Health Information inserts in cigarette packs? Would anyone actually read them?

Another proposal mentioned in the consultation, is the possible implementation of health information inserts in cigarette packets. These of course aim to provide smokers with more accurate information about the risks of smoking, and deter them from smoking. Canada and Israel have already implemented a similar measure, while Australia is considering it.

However, experts in the field are doubtful about the effectivity of such measures. When last June, Health Canada announced a new requirement for tobacco manufacturers to display these warnings directly on individual cigarettes. Prof. David Sweanor, a Canadian tobacco harm reduction (THR) expert, expressed his skepticism, stating that fear-based messages, without practical and effective ways to reduce risks, are widely recognized as ineffective.

Martin Cullip, another expert in the field agreed with Sweanor. He called the measure well-intentioned but “pointless and misguided.” He added that such measures are condescending for assuming that smokers are unaware of cigarette risks, highlighting the disconnect between such warnings and the complexities of addiction and personal choices. He went on to discuss the common phenomenon of such warnings often having a desensitizing effect on consumers and hence diminishing their effectiveness over time.

Messaging on vape packaging could help bridge the misinformation gap

Meanwhile, discussing the UK’s consultation on the warnings the UKVIA suggested new messaging on vape packaging, in order to help bridge the misinformation gap about vaping’s relative harmlessness compared to smoking. This messaging could include statements such as “Switching completely from smoking to vaping will reduce harms to your health.”

The UKVIA also recommended that the government consider approved switching messages that vaping brands can use on various media platforms, especially targeting older smokers who rely on traditional media for information.

UK Prime Minister Announces Plans for a Generational Tobacco Ban

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