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 The arguments and logic used to justify this crackdown are outdated.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

China Boton Group Resumes Trading, Soars 55.56% to 52-Week High; Signs Land Acquisition Agreement with Shenzhen Government - Reuters/AP
China Boton Group Resumes Trading, Soars 55.56% to 52-Week High; Signs Land Acquisition Agreement with Shenzhen Government - Reuters/AP
China Boton Group (HK.3318) resumed trading on December 10, opening at 2.800 HKD and surging 55.56%.
Dec.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2025 China Shenzhen Top 500 Enterprises List: 13 E-cigarette Companies Include
2025 China Shenzhen Top 500 Enterprises List: 13 E-cigarette Companies Include
Shenzhen e-commerce companies dominate 2025 Top 500 list, including 13 e-cigarette businesses. Shenzhen FirstUnion Tech climbs 57 spots.
Oct.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | SKE Launches Disposable V-BOT, Claiming U.S. Manufacturing and Domestic Blending & Filling
Product | SKE Launches Disposable V-BOT, Claiming U.S. Manufacturing and Domestic Blending & Filling
SKE has launched the V-BOT disposable e-cigarette. The company’s website highlights that the device is “Made in the USA,” with blending and filling also completed domestically. The V-BOT features dual power modes (Eco/Boost), an 800 mAh rechargeable battery, and is advertised as delivering up to 40,000 puffs.
Nov.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
iMiracle and VPR Reach Preliminary Settlement in ‘Elf’ Trademark Dispute, Potentially Ending Three-Year Legal Battle
iMiracle and VPR Reach Preliminary Settlement in ‘Elf’ Trademark Dispute, Potentially Ending Three-Year Legal Battle
According to Law360, VPR Brands and iMiracle have filed a joint notice in federal court in Florida stating that they have signed a settlement term sheet and plan to finalize a global settlement within 30 days that would resolve multiple lawsuits. The dispute, which began in 2022 and centers on the “Elf” trademark, has involved injunctions, counterclaims and a key ruling by the Federal Circuit overturning a lower court’s order.
Dec.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
 Australia NSW Police Crack Down on Illicit Tobacco Syndicate Under Strike Force Franklin
Australia NSW Police Crack Down on Illicit Tobacco Syndicate Under Strike Force Franklin
NSW Police, together with NSW Health and the Australian Border Force, seized more than 18,000 vapes, 1.9 million cigarettes, 74kg of loose-leaf tobacco and five unregistered firearms during a week of action under Strike Force Franklin. Four people were charged following coordinated raids on the Far North Coast. Police said the operation targeted organised crime networks profiting from illicit tobacco sales, with an estimated street value exceeding $2.35 million(1.54 million US dollars)..
Nov.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco Expands Ploom Aura EVO Menthol Line With Two New Products and One Upgraded Blend
Japan Tobacco Expands Ploom Aura EVO Menthol Line With Two New Products and One Upgraded Blend
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) has added two new EVO sticks, Evo Black Menthol and Evo Fresh Mint, to its Ploom Aura lineup and reformulated Evo Cold Menthol, creating a menthol range with three distinct levels of cooling intensity and flavor profile.
Dec.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai