Scottish Survey Shows Encouragement for E-cigarettes to Quit Smoking

A new survey conducted by the Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) has revealed that Scots believe using e-cigarettes should be encouraged as a smoking cessation tool, as they are considered much safer than traditional cigarettes.

Research from the SGF also indicates:

Users opt for e-cigarettes because they are cheaper, less harmful and because they help them quit smoking. E-cigarette users are increasingly buying their products from local stores instead of online. Only one in six people, including non-smokers and non-e-cigarette users, want to make it harder to buy e-cigarettes (about half of the people want to make it easier).

This opinion poll was conducted following consultations by the Scottish government that proposed a ban on in-store promotions of electronic cigarettes.

A public opinion survey conducted by Difly Partners asked over 2,000 people about their views on smoking and e-cigarettes. Of those surveyed, less than half were current or former smokers and about one-fifth were current or former e-cigarette users.

The SGF is the Scottish Grocers Federation, an alliance of convenience stores in Scotland. While its members sell both cigarettes and electronic cigarettes, they are committed to playing a role in Scotland's smoke-free plan for 2034 by continuing to sell and promote e-cigarette products in a responsible manner.

Retired bricklayer James Donnison, aged 75, has not touched a cigarette since he switched to e-cigarettes 18 months ago. He has since experienced three heart attacks. Donnison questions why the government seeks to block people from using e-cigarettes, claiming that for smokers it could be a better alternative. "I feel much better," he said. "I don’t get as many chest infections as I used to.

When I started using electronic cigarettes, I immediately quit smoking. This is the longest I have gone without smoking and other cessation methods I have tried in the past have all been unsuccessful. I knew smoking would eventually kill me, and in recent years I have been in and out of hospitals, realizing that I needed to take action. For me, electronic cigarettes are a better option than traditional cigarettes.

James also saves over 6,000 pounds annually by vaping instead of smoking traditional cigarettes.

According to Dr. John Lee, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at SGF, "Smokers and non-smokers alike in Scotland are giving the thumbs up to e-cigarettes. This is important real-world evidence that supports NHS Scotland's view that the risks of vaping are vastly lower than smoking. E-cigarette users tell us they've switched because they're safer, cheaper and more likely to help them quit smoking for good.

Retail channels for electronic cigarettes have stated that convenience stores hope to convert smokers into e-cigarette users by 2034 and play a role in Scotland's smoke-free plan. The good news is that the number of respondents who purchased e-cigarettes from convenience stores has doubled from a year ago. This not only benefits the local economy but also helps e-cigarette users know what they are buying. The Scottish government hopes to make Scotland smoke-free by 2034, and they have found ways to achieve this goal.

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