Vapouround Magazine ISSUE 37 | Page 35

In a huge triumph for harm reduction , New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern endorsed vaping on national TV .
This marks the first time a world leader openly and clearly acknowledged the public health benefits of e-cigarettes , with Ardern praising them as ‘ important tools ’ to help people stop smoking . She said : “ We know that half of those who take up smoking will die from its effects and I think everyone ’ s in agreement that we need to find safer alternatives and ways for them to quit .
“ We ’ ve already seen vaping used by people as a tool to stop smoking … we know that it is making a difference .”
Ardern highlighted that the success of vaping has enabled policymakers to tackle tobacco use and push towards their ambitious smoke-free 2025 goal . And while she knows people will want to debate the use of e-cigarettes amongst New Zealand ’ s youth , the PM said her focus was currently on preventing people from taking up smoking in the first place .
Michael Landl of the World Vapers ’ Alliance applauded Ardern ’ s move and encouraged other political leaders to follow suit . The WVA director said : “ The science and experiences of millions of vapers show that it is the most efficient smoking cessation tool and finally politicians are recognising this as well . “ I see this as a huge step in the right direction for vapers and public health in general … I hope more country leaders will do the same .” The PM ’ s endorsement of e-cigarettes came as New Zealand officials announced a series of radical new measures set to stub out smoking . Under the laws , Kiwis aged 14 and younger will never be able to legally purchase tobacco products with the goal of creating a smoke-free generation .
And with 80 percent of smokers picking up the habit before they turn 18 , officials hope this new regulation will see cigarette use plummet . The ban comes alongside a slew of ‘ world leading ’ measures that would restrict access to cigarettes for the nation ’ s near 500,000 smokers .
Associate health minister Dr Ayesha Verrall said : “ Smoking is still the leading cause of preventable death in New Zealand and , while we are heading in the right direction , we need to do more .
“ We want to make sure young people never start , so we will make it an offence to sell or supply tobacco products to new cohorts of youth … this is a historic day for the health of our people .”
She added that the legal purchasing age for tobacco products – currently 18 – will increase year on year , eventually eradicating smoking completely .
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