You’d be forgiven for thinking the powers that be in all kinds of countries are against vaping in every way at the moment. We’ve read and reported on the federal laws now in force in the US that look set to decimate the industry within the next couple of years. We’ve also heard about the ban in India.
So it is refreshing to hear that the government in New Zealand is considering heading in the opposite direction. We should make it clear that New Zealand originally banned vaping products with nicotine in them, so they have a history of being extremely strict on the matter. However, it looks as though that could change in the near future.
Research into vaping products and their effectiveness in helping smokers quit the habit
The good news is the government has been pretty open in terms of looking at research done into the effects of vaping and whether or not it is safe. The government actually part-funded a study done a couple of years back that revealed vaping was just as effective as nicotine patches when it came to quitting smoking.
We should make it clear that no reversal of the current ban on vaping products containing nicotine is currently in the works. However, everything is looking very promising. They’ve been looking at research for some time now, as evidenced by the above-mentioned study, and they are now considering whether or not to backtrack and be more lenient with their regulations.
Policy options consultation
Now the government has issued a consultation document that promises to look into various options concerning the regulation of electronic cigarettes. The 26-page document is available on the New Zealand government website and is definitely worth a look. This is especially true for anyone who lives in that country and has a vested interest in the outcome.
The document covers such areas as:
• The current situation regarding vaping and its products
• The potential issues surrounding the ban, including enforcement
• The objectives for the policy itself
The paper also includes a consultation submission form which can be filled in by individuals or those submitting on behalf of a group or organisation. Those wanting to have their say must return the form to the Ministry of Health of the New Zealand government by email before the deadline of 5pm on Monday 12th September this year.
What will the outcome be?
It is impossible to say, but it is also unlikely the situation will remain exactly the same as it is at the moment. They have gone to a lot of trouble to get this far, so it would be odd for nicotine-containing e-cigarettes to remain under a ban once the consultation process is complete. We may have to wait a while to hear some good news as the result of this survey, but at least it looks to be a giant step in the right direction.
What do you think of the current ban? Are you hoping it will be overturned?
