The New Zealand government has announced that vape products have been legalized since March 29.
Deputy Minister of Health, Ms Nicky Wagner
Great news for Kiwi smokers looking to quit smoking with vaping. Associate Health Minister Nicky Wagner said that by legalising e-cigarettes , they were taking a safe approach as the scientific evidence on the safety of e-cigarettes was still evolving.
Vaping is expected to hit the market next year. And while many say it’s a big win for the vaping industry , the industry will still have to prepare for tax laws and government packaging standards. But those with a medical background will see it as a major step forward for public health.
Choose your approach to smoking cessation products
Earlier this month, Maori Party co-founder Marama Fox said she agreed that vaping products were an opportunity to reduce the harms of smoking.
Ms Marama Fox, co-founder of the Maori Party
“We also have data that shows vaping is a harm reduction method, not a carcinogen. We also have data that shows vaping is an effective smoking cessation method that helps smokers switch to safer nicotine delivery products that do not cause smoking-related diseases.”
“I have tried vaping. I don’t really like it, but I don’t smoke either. I would recommend that smokers give vaping a try,” said Deputy Health Minister Wagner. “We don’t have enough clear research on it from sources around the world, but one thing is for sure, e-cigarettes are 95% safer than smoking,” she said, referring to research published by PHE last year.
The proposed e-cigarette regulations include banning the sale of the products to people under 18, banning vaping in indoor areas and public areas where tobacco is prohibited, and banning advertising on radio, TV and outdoor billboards.
A step towards a healthier future
Today is a great day for New Zealand, they are taking a step towards a healthier future and achieving their goal of being smoke-free by 2025. Since the UK took a similar approach and fully embraced e-cigarettes as a quit smoking method, Stop Smoking Services has started giving away vape devices as part of their quit smoking programme and smoking rates have dropped dramatically. As a result, the UK now has the lowest smoking rate on record.
Article source: Vapingpost
Author: Diane Caruana
Translated by: The Vape Club
