New Zealand Government Legalizes E-cigs In Bid To Make Country Smoke-free By 2025

Close up of a british man smoking an electronic cigarette

The New Zealand Government plans to make e-cigs legal in order to reach their target of becoming smoke-free by 2025.

“Scientific evidence on the safety of e-cigarettes is still developing but there’s a general consensus that vaping is much less harmful than smoking,” said Associate Health Minister, Nick Wagner.

“This is an opportunity to see if restricted access to e-cigarettes and e-liquid can help lower our smoking rates, reduce harm and save lives.” she said.

There will be new rules put in place for all e-cigarettes, regardless of whether or not they contain nicotine. The rules include restricting sales to those 18 years and over and prohibiting vaping in indoor workplaces and other areas where smoking is banned under the Smoke-free Environments Act.

The tax that applies to cigarettes would not be added on to e-cigarettes, and strict advertising rules will limit the exposure of the products to children and young people who are unlikely to smoke otherwise.

The Ministry of Health says there is “emerging evidence that e‑cigarette use may substantially reduce the burden of disease caused by smoking”.

What is your opinion on the New Zealand Government’s decision? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us @ILoveEcigs

 

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