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 The arguments and logic used to justify this crackdown are outdated.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

The Spanish Nicotine Pouches Association (ABN) is officially launched, calling for a clear regulatory framework grounded in scientific evidence
The Spanish Nicotine Pouches Association (ABN) is officially launched, calling for a clear regulatory framework grounded in scientific evidence
The Spanish Nicotine Pouches Association (ABN) has launched in Madrid, uniting more than 40 companies to call for science-based, proportionate regulation. The group warns that a proposed 0.99 mg nicotine cap could amount to a de facto ban and introduces new voluntary industry standards in response.
Dec.03
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
Bangladesh enforces a complete ban on e-cigarettes and emerging tobacco products, with jail and heavy fines
Bangladesh enforces a complete ban on e-cigarettes and emerging tobacco products, with jail and heavy fines
UNB reports that Bangladesh has imposed a complete ban on e-cigarettes, vapes, and other emerging tobacco products as the Smoking and Tobacco Products Use Control (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 has come into effect.
Jan.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Novosibirsk Governor: Targeted Vape Restrictions More Effective Than Full Ban
Novosibirsk Governor: Targeted Vape Restrictions More Effective Than Full Ban
Novosibirsk Region Governor Andrey Travnikov said during a live Q&A session that local authorities have no plans to impose a full ban on the sale of vapes and disposable e-cigarettes. He argued that a regional ban would be ineffective and could encourage gray market activity and cross-border resale.
Dec.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mexico to impose an absolute ban on the commercialization, import and sale of vapes from Jan. 16, 2026
Mexico to impose an absolute ban on the commercialization, import and sale of vapes from Jan. 16, 2026
Mexico will enforce an absolute ban on the commercialization, import and sale of vapes and e-cigarettes from January 16, 2026, under a reform published in the Official Journal of the Federation (DOF) amending the General Health Law.
Jan.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UPC Court of Appeal refuses to revive VMR’s European vape patent, upholding lack of inventiveness
UPC Court of Appeal refuses to revive VMR’s European vape patent, upholding lack of inventiveness
The Unified Patent Court’s Court of Appeal declined on Dec. 29 to revive a European patent held by VMR Products LLC, upholding a finding that the patent is not inventive over earlier devices. The decision said adding a window in the vape’s outer shell to reveal the internal cartridge holding vape liquid was an obvious, routine adaptation based on an earlier U.S. patent and general knowledge.
Jan.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai