Impact of E-Cigarette Regulation on Smoking Rates: Analysis of 6 Jurisdictions

Nov.30.2022
Impact of E-Cigarette Regulation on Smoking Rates: Analysis of 6 Jurisdictions
This study analyzes the impact of e-cigarette regulations on smoking rates in six jurisdictions, finding varied results.

The research titled "The Impact of E-Cigarette Introduction on Smoking in Six Jurisdictions with Different Electronic Cigarette Regulatory Methods: Interrupted Time Series Analysis" analyzed smoking rates and cigarette consumption in six jurisdictions with different regulatory environments for electronic cigarettes. These jurisdictions include Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia (in Canada), the United Kingdom, and Australia.


Australia has the most stringent regulations on electronic cigarettes among these countries, which translates to the lowest usage rate. However, when it comes to reducing smoking rates, it is also one of the countries making the least progress.


According to Dr Colin Mendelsohn, an expert in tobacco treatment, in a blog post, this study demonstrates once again that the prevalence of electronic cigarettes in Canada and the UK has resulted in a faster decline in smoking rates and the amount of smoking among young people.


However, in Australia, the rate of decrease in tobacco consumption among adult smokers has slowed, and with the rise in popularity of e-cigarettes, the rate of decline in smoking among young people has also slowed.


Australia has implemented the strictest regulations on e-cigarettes in the Western world due to concerns that these devices may lead young people who otherwise would not smoke to start smoking. However, some argue that these regulations are misguided, as they also limit access to potentially life-saving alternatives for adult smokers and could contribute to more smoking-related deaths and illnesses. Mendelsohn adds that this is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.


Effectiveness of E-Cigarettes for Smoking Cessation


A study published in the Addiction journal in 2019 and based on global data has confirmed that electronic cigarettes help smokers in Australia quit smoking. Titled "The impact of electronic cigarettes on successful smoking cessation in Australia in 2019: Evidence from a national survey," the study involved 1,601 smokers and found that the probability of successfully quitting smoking increased by 68%-124% when using electronic cigarettes compared to those who did not use them, further proving their effectiveness in helping smokers quit.


Interestingly, the best results are seen amongst electronic cigarette users who obtain their e-liquid from foreign websites. Another strange finding shows that using a smartphone application in conjunction with an electronic cigarette increases the chances of quitting smoking by 74%, compared to not using an application.


2FIRSTS will continue to provide updates on this topic, and future content will be posted on the "2FIRSTSAPP". Scan the QR code below to download the app.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

Philip Morris Malaysia Again Meets Religious Authority Over Cigarette Alternatives as Perlis Mufti Responds on Halal Criteria
Philip Morris Malaysia Again Meets Religious Authority Over Cigarette Alternatives as Perlis Mufti Responds on Halal Criteria
Philip Morris Malaysia Managing Director Naeem Shahab Khan met Perlis Mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin on September 17 and presented the company's shift from conventional cigarettes toward alternative products. The mufti said a product could be considered halal if it is clean, its side effects are not harmful or can be controlled, and it does not involve excessive waste. His remarks did not mention IQOS or any other specific PMI product and did not amount to a new product-specific religious ruling. It was at least the second publicly reported engagement between Philip Morris Malaysia and a Malaysian religious institution over cigarette alternatives within six months.
Regulations
Sep.18 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Product | Philip Morris Korea Launches TEREA Limona Pearl, Expanding Fresh Blend Capsule Lineup to Five
Product | Philip Morris Korea Launches TEREA Limona Pearl, Expanding Fresh Blend Capsule Lineup to Five
Philip Morris Korea launched TEREA Limona Pearl in South Korea on August 31, 2026, expanding the TEREA Fresh Blend capsule tobacco stick lineup from four variants to five. Designed for the IQOS ILUMA series, the new stick combines a capsule with what the company calls a Fresh Filter. Philip Morris Korea describes the product as offering an aromatic, refreshing flavor profile with a cooling sensation, with an additional fresh note released when the capsule is crushed. The recommended retail price is KRW 4,800 per pack, with sales through IQOS stores and convenience stores nationwide. No reliable evidence has been found that the same Limona Pearl SKU was previously officially launched in another major IQOS market.
Sep.01
Ispire Q4 Revenue Rebounds 33% but Full-Year Sales Still Fall 25% as FY2027 Focus Shifts to Malaysia Manufacturing, ODM, Nicotine Pouches and Age Verification
Ispire Q4 Revenue Rebounds 33% but Full-Year Sales Still Fall 25% as FY2027 Focus Shifts to Malaysia Manufacturing, ODM, Nicotine Pouches and Age Verification
Ispire Technology reported FY2026 revenue of about $96 million, down 24.7% year over year, as U.S. cannabis-vapor hardware and European e-cigarette sales declined by $17.4 million and $12.7 million, respectively. Fourth-quarter revenue rose 32.5% to $26.7 million, while quarterly gross margin fell to 6.3%. For FY2027, the company is prioritizing Malaysia manufacturing and vapor ODM while continuing to develop nicotine pouches, IKE Tech age-verification technology and G-Mesh licensing. Ispire has not separately disclosed the revenue or profit contribution of those newer businesses.
Regulations
Sep.17 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Nicotine Pouches Gain Ground in U.S. Convenience Stores as Vape Unit Sales Fall 14%
Nicotine Pouches Gain Ground in U.S. Convenience Stores as Vape Unit Sales Fall 14%
According to convenience retail publication CStore Decisions, U.S. convenience store tobacco categories are undergoing a structural shift. Based on Circana OmniMarket Total U.S. Convenience data for the 52 weeks ending June 14, 2026, cigarettes remained the largest category with $50.8 billion in sales, but unit sales declined 5.3%. Electronic smoking devices and vaping products also declined, while modern oral nicotine products continued to grow, with nicotine pouch sales rising 29% in dollars and 17% in units. Retailers said changing consumer preferences are reshaping tobacco product assortments at convenience stores.
Regulations
Aug.07
F1 Faces Renewed Pressure Over Tobacco and Nicotine Sponsorships as 67 Groups Target ZYN and VELO Ahead of Madrid Race
F1 Faces Renewed Pressure Over Tobacco and Nicotine Sponsorships as 67 Groups Target ZYN and VELO Ahead of Madrid Race
Ahead of the Formula 1 race in Madrid, 67 Spanish and international public-health, medical and consumer organizations have sent an open letter to F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali calling for an end to sponsorships linked to the tobacco and nicotine industry, including nicotine pouches, vaping products and heated tobacco. The letter focuses on Philip Morris International’s ZYN partnership with Ferrari and British American Tobacco’s long-running partnership with McLaren and exposure for VELO. The campaign follows a March letter in which more than 160 organizations worldwide made a similar request to Formula 1.
Sep.10
Australia’s One Nation Proposes 75% Tobacco Tax Cut, Says Lower Prices Could Hit Illicit Market
Australia’s One Nation Proposes 75% Tobacco Tax Cut, Says Lower Prices Could Hit Illicit Market
Australia’s One Nation party has proposed cutting tobacco excise by 75%, arguing that lower legal cigarette prices could narrow the gap with illicit tobacco and reduce demand for black-market products. The proposal comes as Australia continues expanding enforcement against illicit tobacco supply chains through border controls, retail inspections and organised-crime investigations. Supporters argue high taxes have contributed to illicit-market growth, while opponents warn that lower tobacco prices could undermine public-health goals. The proposal is a party policy position and has not been adopted by the Australian government.
Aug.18