The United States
Vaping has been a popular method for smokers to quit smoking conventional cigarettes. However, it has not gone unnoticed by governments worldwide. The United States was one of the first countries to create vaping regulations. Vaping regulations at the federal level in the United States have been minimal. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) controls regulations for vaping products. Regulations cover labeling and advertising for the product and outlaw sales to minors.
Canada
Canada was one of the first countries to regulate e-cigarettes as a tobacco product. These regulations came into effect in May 2018. Canada’s main approach has been to create a two-tier system, making it legal for those over 19 years old. The government has acknowledged that e-cigarettes may have a role in Harm Reduction. Thus, they are legal under certain circumstances.
The United Kingdom
The UK put into effect the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations in May 2016. As such, e-cigarettes would now be regulated as a tobacco product by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The regulations are among the most comprehensive in the world. The regulations cover e-cigarette marketing, inclusive of those via social media. E-cigarettes are also allowed to be advertised to the public, but only under strict guidelines.
Australia
Global authorities have very diverse views on electronic cigarettes. In Australia, it has been illegal to purchase, sell, possess or use electronic cigarettes for nicotine and tobacco. It is a criminal offense to sell or buy any vaping device. And many people are eagerly advocating for a change in vaping regulation. However, there is no certainty in the near future about this becoming law. The reason for this is that research has suggested that e-cigarettes endanger minors and non-smokers. Australian public health experts denounce the vaping regulations as unethical and not productive. That is because health authorities view e-cigarettes as a gateway to smoking and smoking cessation via nicotine replacements therapies should be a priority.
New Zealand
On August 6th, 2020, electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products became legal in New Zealand. All the countries that have decriminalized some kind of e-cigarette products agree that there are risks involved. However, vaping is employed as a tool to stop the smoking habit. The new regulations in NZ make it legal to sell, distribute, or procure any unlicensed vaping product.
Conclusion
There are visible differences in vaping regulations throughout the world. Determinations about vaping policies must grapple with the understanding of drug consumption as personal choice while balancing public health implications. Understandably, authorities advise that e-cigarettes should not be used either by minors and non-smokers. Governments worldwide must make evidence-based and rational decisions to ensure that both those who quit smoking and potential users are protected. By doing so, we could see a reduction in smoking rates and public health issues. Supplement your reading by checking out the suggested external source. Inside, you’ll discover supplementary and worthwhile insights to broaden your understanding of the subject. Access this interesting content, take a look!
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