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.

Pennsylvania Updates ENDS Certification List as Chinese-Linked Manufacturers Enter State Review
Pennsylvania Updates ENDS Certification List as Chinese-Linked Manufacturers Enter State Review
Pennsylvania’s June 26 Pending ENDS Certifications list includes 23 manufacturers under review, including Shenzhen Smoore, Shenzhen IVPS, YME Technology and China-linked Boulder International. The list shows state-level vape regulation moving beyond retail brands toward manufacturer-based market access alongside FDA oversight.
Regulations
Jul.06 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Philip Morris Italia Invests €1 Million to Upgrade Retail Network, Supporting 45,000 Tobacco Shops in Smoke-Free Shift
Philip Morris Italia Invests €1 Million to Upgrade Retail Network, Supporting 45,000 Tobacco Shops in Smoke-Free Shift
Philip Morris Italia has launched the Trade Academy program, investing €1 million to provide training and development support for approximately 45,000 tobacco retailers in Italy. The initiative aims to strengthen retailers’ capabilities in heated tobacco products, digital tools and consumer services. The move reflects how nicotine companies are increasingly investing in retail networks and frontline capabilities as new nicotine products become more important in the market.
Jul.28
One Nation Proposes 50% Tobacco Excise Cut as Australia’s Illicit Market Expands
One Nation Proposes 50% Tobacco Excise Cut as Australia’s Illicit Market Expands
Australian One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has proposed cutting tobacco excise by 50% and freezing indexation until June 30, 2028, in a bid to lower legal cigarette prices and reduce the price advantage of the illicit tobacco market.
Jun.18
Adani’s Mumbai Airport Duty-Free Shops Face Scrutiny Over Nicotine Pouch Sales in India
Adani’s Mumbai Airport Duty-Free Shops Face Scrutiny Over Nicotine Pouch Sales in India
An Indian investigation found that duty-free shops at Mumbai international airport operated by billionaire Gautam Adani’s business group sold nicotine pouches in breach of the law, Reuters reported, in a case that could shape how India regulates sales of new nicotine products at airport retail outlets.
Jul.08
FDA Sued Over Allowing Some Unauthorized Vapes and Nicotine Pouches to Stay on Market
FDA Sued Over Allowing Some Unauthorized Vapes and Nicotine Pouches to Stay on Market
Public health groups, pediatricians and parents sued the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on July 14, 2026, challenging a May enforcement guidance that they say allows unauthorized e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches to remain on the market while applications are under review.
Jul.15
Haypp Report: Women Emerge as a Key Growth Driver in the UK Nicotine Pouch Market
Haypp Report: Women Emerge as a Key Growth Driver in the UK Nicotine Pouch Market
According to Haypp’s 2026 UK Nicotine Report, women are a key growth driver in the UK nicotine pouch market. Overall sales for Haypp and Northerner rose 60% year‑on‑year in 2025, but purchases by women surged 202%, versus 25% for men. Women’s share of consumers jumped from 22% to 40%. The report attributes this to discretion, perceived health benefits, and more gender‑neutral product positioning, suggesting future growth will come from a broader range of adult nicotine users.
Jul.01