Source: Brownstone Institute
by Roger Bate
“Vaping products are not riskless, but they are substantially safer than smoking and probably the most effective tool for adult smokers trying to quit. Vaping provides nicotine without the harmful effects of burning tobacco and is also satisfying in addressing the ritualistic aspects of smoking. UK health authorities have even encouraged hospitals to hand out free vaping starter kits to recruit smokers into cessation programs. In short, the science on vaping, while not entirely settled, points to a fairly obvious policy recommendation. Regulate vaping products to ensure they are safe, don’t let children access them, and tax them at a fairly low rate so that you nudge smokers towards vaping. UK policy has historically followed this approach, but today is wavering. US policy has always been a mess and is getting worse.” (03/23/25)
https://brownstone.org/articles/uk-and-us-vaping-policies-are-headed-in-wrong-direction/