Tabling of the Act to bolster tobacco control - Is the Québec Government acting zealously in trying to bring electronic cigarettes within the scope of the Tobacco Act? Français
The electronic cigarette should be regulated in a unique way and not as a tobacco product.
MONTREAL, May 6, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - While the debate, scientific and social, surrounding electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), commonly referred to as 'electronic cigarettes' or 'e-cigarettes', continues, the Government of Quebec has opted to bring this new technology with an immense potential within the scope of a reinforced Tobacco Act. Nicoventures, however, estimated that the Bill presented today is premature that its proposal to regulate e-cigarettes as combustible cigarettes is misguided.
These products are not tobacco products but offer a unique opportunity to reduce the impact of smoking on health. Therefore, these products must be legislated within a unique, separate and independent regulatory framework.
To this end, Nicoventures is pleased that the Quebec Government has chosen to follow the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health's (HESA) recommendation before proceeding, i.e. proper consultations with the public and stakeholders with respect to the regulation of electronic cigarettes.
While Nicoventures supports the Government's desire to introduce a legislative framework for electronic cigarettes, it believes that to regulate them as combustible cigarettes is going off course.
"It would be desirable for the Government to invest in research to better understand the ins and outs of the product, rather than applying to electronic cigarettes the same rules governing traditional cigarettes", said Caroline Martel, spokesperson for Nicoventures in Canada. "Appropriately regulated e-cigarettes, including restrictions on youth access and enforced quality standards, can have a positive impact for smokers wishing to quit smoking or reduce their tobacco consumption."'
Nicoventures believes that the potential benefits of ENDS lie in their role as a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. The capacity of the product to encourage smokers to make this transition is based on a balanced approach aimed at regulating the industry without stigmatizing this new category of products by associating it with traditional tobacco products, and in a way to promote responsible use. Electronic cigarettes should be as available and accessible as nicotine replacement therapies.
Research is evolving in this area and regulations are needed to establish standardized means of ensuring quality control and consumer safety. Therefore, taking note of the growing demand for e-cigarettes in Canada, and concerned that the e-cigarettes that smokers buy to help them quit or reduce smoking do not meet any prescribed and appropriate quality standards, Nicoventures strongly recommends to the Quebec Government that it demands prompt federal action in the area of product regulation for e-cigarettes.
"The last thing public health authorities should be doing is banning or applying regulations that limit or diminish access and availability of e-cigarettes, which is starting to prove to be an effective cessation tool," added Ms. Martel. "We should furthermore also be able to communicate and inform smokers of this innovation, namely at the point of sale. Excessive restrictions would be counterproductive."
About Nicoventures
Nicoventures' focus is the development and production of innovative, high quality inhaled nicotine products that meet relevant regulatory requirements. We currently manufacture e-cigarettes and e-liquids that contain pharmaceutical grade nicotine, water, propylene glycol and/or glycerol and flavours. Our electronic cigarettes are currently available and marketed in the United Kingdom under the Vype brand name. We have also obtained an initial medicinal product licence by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for our innovative nicotine inhaler, Voke, designed for smokers who want to reduce, replace or stop smoking. Voke is not yet available to buy. Based out of the UK, Nicoventures is in the non-combustibles Next Generation Products division and a wholly owned subsidiary of British American Tobacco p.l.c. (BAT). Products manufactured by Nicoventures are not yet available in Canada. To learn more, visit us at www.nicoventures.co.uk or discovers our products at www.voke.co.uk and uk.govype.com.
SOURCE Nicoventures Ltd
Caroline Martel, For Nicoventures Ltd, 514-240-9856, [email protected]
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