When we take a peek into the evolving landscape of vaping regulations, what comes into the spotlight are new measures designed to curb the appeal of vaping, particularly for the younger demographic. These changes include the limitation of vape flavours known to lure in the youth and the clampdown on the sale of affordable disposable vape products.
In a move that has been met with an almost unanimous nod from educators, business magnates, and health experts, new vape stores are now forbidden from setting up shop within a 300-meter radius of schools or marae. However, one can't help but question: Have the rules reached far enough?
On this topic, Letitia Harding from the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation provided her stance, which boiled down to the regulations not being stringent enough. "We’re a little bit surprised that it didn’t go harder," she voiced her disbelief. Her suggestion? A cap on the number of vape stores in the country.
Drawing attention to the growing number of specialist vape retailers in the country - a staggering 1290 from 1270 just a fortnight ago - Harding noted that the accessibility of these shops for young people was worryingly easy. The repercussions? An increasingly susceptible youth population, getting drawn into the trap of nicotine addiction.
In a stark contrast, Dr George Laking from the UOA Centre for Cancer Research deemed the new rules "proportionate" to the circumstances. According to him, the regulations have done a commendable job of finding equilibrium between deterring youth vaping and allowing vaping as a tool for adults.
Let's remember, smoking still claims 5000 lives every year in New Zealand. In this grim scenario, Laking argues that vaping has a pivotal role in curbing smoking in the country. Still, the vaping conundrum won't just disappear.
Harding did not concede. She referenced data and successful overseas programmes that leveraged vaping products to help people quit smoking. But the catch? Intense behavioural support, a far cry from the ease of walking into a vape store.
"It’s an incredibly difficult product to give up," Harding stated, highlighting the challenges associated with ceasing vaping.
Laking, however, took a health-centric stance. He pointed out that the harm inflicted by vaping is significantly less severe than tobacco. He questioned why the ASRF is so opposed to vaping.
Tobacco smoking has a direct correlation with immediate illness. The burden of illness from vaping, on the other hand, has been hard to demonstrate convincingly. Sure, there are indicators of potential adverse health effects, but turning that into tangible illness data has been a tough nut to crack.
The new rules are set to take effect in August. As we wait for these to roll out, the debates continue to swirl. Are the restrictions far-reaching enough, or is there room for more stringent measures?
What are the new vaping restrictions about?
The new regulations aim to limit vape flavours that attract young people and restrict the sale of cheap disposable vapes. Furthermore, new vape stores cannot open within 300 metres of schools or marae.
Why do some health experts believe the new restrictions are not enough?
Some health experts believe the number of vape shops in the country provides easy access for young people, leading them into nicotine addiction. They suggest implementing a cap on the number of vape shops.
What is the perspective of those who believe the restrictions are sufficient?
Some believe the regulations strike a balance between deterring youth vaping and allowing adults to use it as a tool to quit smoking. They also note that the harm caused by vaping is less severe than tobacco.
When will the new vaping restrictions take effect?
The new vaping regulations are set to be implemented in August.
What is the ongoing debate about these restrictions?
The debate is about whether these restrictions go far enough in curbing youth vaping or if more stringent measures need to be in place.