The Failure of Australia's Nicotine E-Cigarette Ban

Dec.01.2022
The Failure of Australia's Nicotine E-Cigarette Ban
Australia's ban on nicotine e-cigarettes has led to a rise in black market sales and failed to curb youth usage.

Several years ago, Australia banned nicotine electronic cigarettes. It comes as no surprise that these products are now under attack, primarily because the law has failed to curb their use, and there has been a surge in young people using e-cigarettes, reaching record levels. This has only increased the value of the black market. It is evident that such a ban has not deterred people from smoking. The arguments and logic used to justify this crackdown are outdated.


Nicotine is addictive because it is similar to vitamin B3. Without a natural analogue, addiction cannot occur. Vitamin B3 serves as a stress manager and helps manage various conditions. Nicotinic acid or niacin is the natural form of vitamin B3, hence the name "niacin". Nicotine products are often contaminated and this is unacceptable. However, hydroponic tobacco can maintain purity and filter impurities from nicotine. It is chemically basic to understand. Organic tobacco packaged in this way has been imported into the US for years. It appears that the mainstream market is too lazy to implement these solutions.


Helping the black market as usual.


It is hard to imagine anything more effective against organized crime than a smoking ban. The high pricing will inevitably lead to a black market, making tobacco a lucrative source of income for organized crime.


Even from the perspective of the most rigid prohibitionist, there are two mistakes here.


Undoubtedly, as history has shown, implementing a ban often results in achieving the opposite of its intended goals. The original prohibition gave rise to modern organized crime, and the war on drugs has only enriched it. This is just another example of a complete failure. When you make something that people enjoy illegal, it only makes it more appealing to those who seek out forbidden activities, such as young people who are drawn to the excitement and coolness that comes with breaking the law. This is why there is a constant demand for illegal drugs, no matter how harmful they may be, such as cocaine or methamphetamine. Prohibiting the use of nicotine in e-cigarettes will only lead to an increase in demand for it. It is another unnecessary and avoidable problem.


As the black market for tobacco earns billions of dollars, health issues remain unaddressed. It's time to address these concerns.


2FIRSTS will continue to report on this issue, with updates posted on the "2FIRSTS APP." Scan the QR code below to download the app.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

FDA Outlines Manufacturing Requirements as Critical to ENDS PMTA Success
FDA Outlines Manufacturing Requirements as Critical to ENDS PMTA Success
FDA officials said manufacturing consistency is a core prerequisite for ENDS PMTA reviews, not a procedural formality. During its February 10, 2026 roundtable, the agency outlined expectations for quality management systems, manufacturing documentation, nicotine control, stability studies, and risk mitigation, emphasizing that robust manufacturing evidence underpins determinations of whether products are appropriate for the protection of public health.
Feb.11
Product | VOZOL’s New E-Cigarette Appears on Middle East Social Media, Touted at 40,000 Puffs with Dual Mesh Coils and Dual Modes
Product | VOZOL’s New E-Cigarette Appears on Middle East Social Media, Touted at 40,000 Puffs with Dual Mesh Coils and Dual Modes
VOZOL has recently promoted its MAGIC FLEX 40000 e-cigarette on its official Iraq social media account, using mainly Arabic-language posts and listing Baghdad as the account location. The campaign highlights a detachable/separate battery, the ability to switch flavors at will, ECO/POWER dual-mode operation, and a display-based user interface.
Jan.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Glasgow bin lorry fires spark calls to broaden vape and battery disposal messaging
Glasgow bin lorry fires spark calls to broaden vape and battery disposal messaging
Glasgow residents have been warned that throwing batteries and vapes away at home can endanger refuse workers, amid bin lorries catching fire. The city council said it will launch a communications campaign next month to tell people to place batteries in special bins at supermarkets or household waste recycling centres, supported by a dedicated web page listing other disposal sites.
Feb.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK South East Seized 3.1M Illegal Vapes Since 2021 as Crackdown Intensifies
UK South East Seized 3.1M Illegal Vapes Since 2021 as Crackdown Intensifies
Illegal vape seizures in the UK South East have risen sharply over the past five years, with 2023 marking the high point. While single-use vapes were banned from sale in June 2025, enforcement teams say disposable products remain in circulation, fueling renewed calls for licensing and stronger enforcement funding.
Jan.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Morocco rolls out compulsory rules for e-cigarettes, muassel and nicotine pouches
Morocco rolls out compulsory rules for e-cigarettes, muassel and nicotine pouches
Starting February 2026, Morocco will apply its first mandatory standard governing “smoke-free” products—covering e-cigarettes, muassel and nicotine pouches. Drafted by IMANOR, the standard introduces detailed requirements on composition, labelling, traceability and safety, and will apply to imported products. Consumer advocates say clear labelling and traceability are essential, while urging stronger public-awareness efforts and resources.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT FY2025 Results: New Categories Contribution Expands as Smokeless Share Reaches 18.2%
BAT FY2025 Results: New Categories Contribution Expands as Smokeless Share Reaches 18.2%
British American Tobacco reported FY2025 revenue of £25.61 billion, down 1.0% on a reported basis but up 2.1% at constant currency. New Categories revenue rose 5.5%, with category contribution increasing 77%. Smokeless products accounted for 18.2% of group revenue.
Feb.12