Survey by WVA: 97% Prefer Flavored E-cigarettes over Tobacco

Sep.14.2022
Survey by WVA: 97% Prefer Flavored E-cigarettes over Tobacco
A survey by WVA found 97% of e-cigarette users prefer flavored or tobacco-flavored combinations and higher taxes lead to black market use.

A survey conducted among members of the World Vaping Alliance (WVA) has found that 97% of respondents prefer electronic cigarette flavors, or a combination of flavors and tobacco. Additionally, higher taxes would drive nearly a third of e-cigarette users to the black market. The WVA is urging policymakers to listen to consumer views and avoid regulations and bans that could cause a public health disaster.


Michael Randall, the director of the Global Association of E-cigarette Users, said that their members' research has confirmed what science has repeatedly shown: flavor is crucial for people trying to quit smoking. Bans and high taxes only fuel the black market and push many e-cigarette users back to smoking. It is now time for politicians to start listening to the consumers who are most affected by policies.


The main findings of the investigation are:


Flavor:


A staggering 97% of respondents prefer the flavor of e-cigarettes or a combination of flavors and tobacco. Only 3% indicated a preference for tobacco alone. If flavors are banned, over half of e-cigarette users would seek to obtain their flavors through the black market or return to smoking. 21% of respondents stated they would only use tobacco flavor, while 16% believed they would quit smoking. In terms of taxation, the impact on e-cigarette use is unclear.


Increasing taxes will divide the consumption behavior of e-cigarette users. 31% of people will continue to use and pay a higher price for e-cigarettes, while 30% will reduce their usage to compensate for the price increase. 28% will attempt to sell their products on the black market.


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