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 The arguments and logic used to justify this crackdown are outdated.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

Product | UWELL Launches CALIBURN BAR 80K Disposable Vape, Rated for 80,000 Puffs with 6 Power Levels and 3 Airflow Settings
Product | UWELL Launches CALIBURN BAR 80K Disposable Vape, Rated for 80,000 Puffs with 6 Power Levels and 3 Airflow Settings
UWELL has launched the CALIBURN BAR 80K disposable vape on its official website. The device features a staggering 80,000-puff count and a 20 mg/ml nicotine concentration. It offers two output modes (NORMAL and BOOST) with six adjustable power levels ranging from 18W to 35W, complemented by a 3-level airflow adjustment system.
Jan.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Liverpool City Region Considers Healthier Advertising Rules for Trains, Ferries and Buses — Vapes Included
Liverpool City Region Considers Healthier Advertising Rules for Trains, Ferries and Buses — Vapes Included
The Liverpool City Region is considering a region-wide clampdown on advertising for junk food, sugary drinks and vapes on publicly owned infrastructure. The move is framed as part of a broader push to promote healthier lifestyles and tackle deep-rooted health inequalities, with a particular focus on reducing children’s exposure to harmful marketing in public spaces. The plan is set to go before the Combined Authority on Friday.
Jan.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Around 58,000 counterfeit vapes and tobacco seized from UK 's Hampshire streets over the past year
Around 58,000 counterfeit vapes and tobacco seized from UK 's Hampshire streets over the past year
UK's Hampshire Trading Standards says around 58,000 counterfeit vapes and tobacco products have been seized from Hampshire over the last year. Richard Strawson, Hampshire’s Head of Trading Standards, said officers often find vape products disguised under fake branding.
Jan.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia joint operation seized $19,000 worth of vape liquid in Likas
Malaysia joint operation seized $19,000 worth of vape liquid in Likas
More than 2,300 units of vape liquid worth over RM75,000 were seized during an integrated operation at premises in Likas near Kota Kinabalu. During Ops Taring Landai E-Cigarette Mega on Feb 10 night, the Marine Police, Sabah Health Department officials and district police detected a shop displaying 92 types of vape pods and, after further searches, found 2,353 units of vape liquid stored on the premises.
Feb.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
The Spark of Reason| 2Firsts 2026 New Year Message
The Spark of Reason| 2Firsts 2026 New Year Message
Looking ahead to 2026, we do so with genuine anticipation. This will be a milestone year—the dawn of a new era.
Jan.01
KT&G’s Heated Tobacco Brand “lil” Named to Korea’s Brand Hall of Fame for Eighth Consecutive Year
KT&G’s Heated Tobacco Brand “lil” Named to Korea’s Brand Hall of Fame for Eighth Consecutive Year
KT&G said its heated tobacco brand “lil” was selected as an outstanding brand in the heated tobacco category of the “2026 Korea Brand Hall of Fame,” marking its eighth straight year on the list. The awards are organized by the Industrial Policy Research Institute (IPS) and determined through a composite evaluation of customer satisfaction, brand value and market performance.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai