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 The arguments and logic used to justify this crackdown are outdated.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.

Altria Reports Full-Year 2025 Results: Revenue Down 3.1%, Cigarette Volumes Slide 10% as NJOY Takes Impairment Hit
Altria Reports Full-Year 2025 Results: Revenue Down 3.1%, Cigarette Volumes Slide 10% as NJOY Takes Impairment Hit
Altria has released its full-year 2025 results, reporting full-year net revenues of $23.279 billion, down 3.1% year over year. Domestic cigarette shipment volume fell 10% for the year. on! nicotine pouches reached a 7.7% share of the U.S. oral tobacco category in the fourth quarter. NJOY posted $21 million in net revenues in Q4, while full-year net revenues were negative $13 million (mainly due to returns and related factors).
Jan.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Vietnam’s Health Ministry consults on tobacco-control law amendments, proposing an e-cigarette ban
Vietnam’s Health Ministry consults on tobacco-control law amendments, proposing an e-cigarette ban
VTV.vn reports that Vietnam’s Ministry of Health is collecting feedback on a draft amendment to the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms, proposing an e-cigarette ban and broader public health protections.
Jan.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Bradford meeting told rising cannabis-vape use is a “threat to the younger generation”
Bradford meeting told rising cannabis-vape use is a “threat to the younger generation”
A licensing meeting in Bradford was told that the rising use of cannabis vapes is a “threat to the younger generation”. E-cigarettes containing THC are illegal for recreational purposes but have been found on sale in the district.
Dec.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ireland’s HSE finds over a fifth of vape shops tested still selling to children despite under-18 ban
Ireland’s HSE finds over a fifth of vape shops tested still selling to children despite under-18 ban
Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) data show that more than a fifth of vape shops tested were still selling nicotine-inhaling vaping products to children, despite a ban on sales to under-18s that took effect on December 22, 2023.
Jan.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Tajikistan Weighs a Total Vape Ban as Upper House Chair Orders Draft Bill
Tajikistan Weighs a Total Vape Ban as Upper House Chair Orders Draft Bill
Tajikistan is preparing legislation that could impose a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes. Upper house chair Rustami Emomali (Рустами Эмомали) has ordered the drafting of a bill, which is still under development. Retailers have begun scaling back sales amid tightening signals, while existing tobacco-control rules already restrict smoking in many public places and set fines.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Vietnam Drafts Administrative Penalties for E-Cigarette Use, Setting Fines up to USD 380
Vietnam Drafts Administrative Penalties for E-Cigarette Use, Setting Fines up to USD 380
Vietnam plans to formalise penalties for e-cigarette and heated tobacco use under a draft decree. Individual users could be fined VND 3–5 million (USD 114–190), while premises allowing use face fines up to VND 10 million (USD 380). Higher penalties apply to business violations.
Dec.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai