Regulation of Tobacco Consumption Equipment and Components in Abkhazia

According to a report from the Russian Abkhazian media outlet Apsnypress on December 7th, the Parliament of the Russian Republic of Abkhazia has passed a bill titled "Regulation of the Circulation of Nicotine Consumption Devices, their Components, and Parts.

The bill was introduced by representative Inar Gitsba. He stressed that the main objective of this legislation is to protect the citizens of the Republic of Abkhazia, particularly the lives and health of minors, from the excessive use of nicotine products.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the circulation of nicotine products in Abkhazia, particularly the usage of inhalation devices such as e-cigarettes. These devices extensively utilize nicotine solutions, e-liquids infused with flavorings and colorants, as well as additives that enhance nicotine dependence.

According to the data provided by Jisba, there is a continuous rise in the market promotion of new nicotine products, which are being praised as "safer," "delicious," and "smokeless." Manufacturers package these products as "safe" and "tasty," employing various marketing strategies to attract new users, especially minors, in order to create early dependency on nicotine.

Gisba stated:

A recent study has found that the use of e-cigarettes can have detrimental effects on the protective barrier of the lungs, leading to lung fibrosis and causing chronic bronchitis. Furthermore, it increases the risk of myocardial infarctions, strokes, and the development of cancerous diseases. As a result, more than 30 countries have already implemented bans on the sale of e-cigarettes.

According to statistics from Abkhazia, over 71,000 e-cigarette devices and e-liquids have been imported into Abkhazia from January 1, 2020, to May 2, 2023.