Latvian Citizens Petition for Legalizing E-Cigarette Flavors

According to a report by the Baltic News Network, over 10,000 Latvian citizens have signed a petition calling for the government to not ban the use of flavored electronic cigarettes. As the initiative has reached the required number of signatures, it will now be reviewed by the Latvian parliament.

A petition is urging the Latvian government to crack down on the illegal sale of electronic cigarettes and to educate the public on choosing healthy products instead of simply banning flavored e-cigarettes.

According to the Latvian Association for Smoke-Free Products, the aim of the e-cigarette industry is to assist those trying to quit smoking. This is because e-cigarettes are considered to pose fewer health hazards than traditional cigarettes.

The petitioner, Toms Lusis, stated that Latvian legislators' attitude towards e-cigarette products is based on outdated concepts and research results.

He said:

According to the latest scientific data, electronic cigarettes are 95% less harmful to the human body compared to traditional cigarettes. Using electronic cigarettes is considered as one option for residents to quit smoking and can also help prevent the occurrence of lung diseases.

Lucas warned that if Latvia deprives adults of their freedom of choice in terms of e-cigarette flavors, it will also lose revenue from consumption taxes on the product.

Reference(s):

Latvian citizens demonstrate significant interest in the movement against the prohibition of flavored e-cigarettes.