Russia Tobacco Editor Criticizes Nationwide Ban on E-cigarettes as Extreme

According to the Russian media outlet NSN on April 10, Maxim Korolev, the editor-in-chief of Russian Tabak, stated in an interview that a complete ban on e-cigarettes in Russia is an overly aggressive measure that will result in an increase in the black market.

Representatives from factions in the State Duma of the Liberal Democratic Party, the Communist Party of Russia, "A Just Russia-For Truth", and "New People" have drafted a comprehensive bill to ban the sale of nicotine and nicotine products.

The author of the document cited the latest survey data which showed that the number of teenagers using e-cigarettes has increased tenfold compared to 2011. Explanatory notes indicate that e-cigarettes are being promoted as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, but they cause irreparable harm to health. Korolev believes that banning e-cigarettes will not yield positive results.

On the one hand, the ban is seen as an overly extreme measure because it will deprive a considerable number of Russians of the opportunity to access nicotine without carcinogens, estimated to be between 30-40 million people.

On the other hand, today this market is almost entirely illegal, with no regulations, no labels, and no permits. The alternatives available to smokers who want to quit are also unclear. If legal products were introduced in the future for this purpose, and if legal alternative products containing nicotine but not carcinogens or combustible tobacco were allowed, perhaps this would not be the worst option. Korylov stated, "Only in this scenario could we potentially support such a project."

There is a term called "nanny state" that is used to specify everything people should do and forbid everything based on the fact that even adults cannot take care of themselves. Adults are very aware that they should not smoke, they should exercise, eat properly, etc. These are all well-known facts. Another thing is that for decades, we have introduced almost every male to smoking through military service: almost everyone started smoking. Now we need to give people the opportunity to choose other options, rather than simply banning everything without discrimination.

Previously reported, the number of smokers in Russia has decreased from 24.2% in 2019 to 18.7% in 2023. In addition, by 2022, 19.2% of adults in Russia were smoking. Furthermore, experts noted an increase in the number of e-cigarette users and those who smoke e-cigarettes by 2022.