France Considers E-Cigarettes as Nicotine Replacement Therapy

On May 28th, French Health Minister François Braun announced plans to allow pharmacists to prescribe electronic cigarettes as a nicotine replacement therapy. However, Braun clarified that these prescriptions will not include "puffs" (the French term for disposable e-cigarettes) as they are "of no help in quitting smoking.

Braun reiterated his plan to ban disposable electronic cigarettes, stating on a French news program that "Disposable electronic cigarettes do not help people quit smoking.

French lawmakers are hoping to implement a ban on "disposable e-cigarettes" in the fall of 2023. However, as the Minister of Health, Olivier Véran, has also stated that he is considering "allowing pharmacists to prescribe e-cigarette products as a nicotine replacement therapy.

He stated that the prescription will not include "these colorful disposable products" which "encourage young people to smoke". The prescription will only include "nicotine replacement products and e-cigarettes" which "can gradually reduce nicotine consumption and help smokers quit".

When asked about taxation issues, Braun replied that this matter is "on the table as part of the government's next anti-smoking campaign," which is planned to be implemented between 2023 and 2028.

He also said:

All tobacco products, such as heated tobacco and chewing tobacco, are taxed in the same way as cigarettes.

Previously, Braun stated that the French government may ban disposable e-cigarettes before the end of this year, as it becomes part of the Ministry of Health's "New Anti-Smoking Plan" that will be implemented over the next five years.