In a world where vaping among young people continues to grow, New Zealand finds itself at a crossroads, trying to regulate an ever-changing market.
The New Zealand government's recent ban on disposable vapes raises questions about its effectiveness in stemming what might be called the youth vaping epidemic. Researchers and anti-vaping campaigners, such as Lucy Hardie, an academic at the University of Auckland, point to the ability of the vaping industry to adapt quickly to new regulations, highlighting the need for more holistic approach.
The government had initially considered stricter anti-smoking laws, including gradually raising the legal age for purchasing tobacco products, but backtracked in the face of criticism, opting instead for a ban on tobacco products. disposable vapes. The industry, however, still appears to be a step forward, offering low-cost, reusable alternatives that, while respecting legal frameworks, continue to attract younger consumers.
Devices like pod vapes, sold by some major distributors at ridiculous prices, make it possible to maintain a high level of nicotine, thus encouraging addiction. Moreover, regulations aimed at restricting attractive flavors and imposing child safety devices already seem to be circumvented by ingenious marketing strategies and physical layouts of points of sale.
The Vape Free Kids group, made up of concerned parents, highlights the fact that even with stricter regulations, vaping products remain widely accessible and attractive to young people. They suggest that the key to the problem lies in keeping products away from young people, removing them from places they frequently visit.
Associate Minister for Health Casey Costello is emphasizing the government's commitment to reducing smoking rates, considering strengthening the regulatory framework around the sale of vaping and tobacco products. However, the scale and speed of the vaping industry's adaptation calls into question the effectiveness of current and future measures.
The New Zealand example reflects a global challenge: finding a balance between the potential benefits of vaping to help smokers quit tobacco and the risk of a new generation addicted to nicotine, attracted by innovative and attractive products . The vaping industry's rapid adaptation strategies require careful consideration and anticipatory regulations to effectively protect the most vulnerable populations, particularly young people.
