I am deeply concerned about the recent blanket ban on vape products, not only because this move feels unconstitutional, but also because it evidently violates the Tobacco Act. As a firm believer in the freedom of choice and conscious consumerism, this ban infringes on my rights and those of countless others who have switched from smoking to vaping as a harm-reduction method.

Vaping, as a practice, was originally introduced as a safer alternative to cigarettes. Research has shown that e-cigarettes have the potential to reduce smoking-related harm, as it eliminates the combustion and many harmful substances found in cigarettes (BMJ Journals). This elimination of combustion has been found to potentially reduce the risk of smoking-related diseases.

Moreover, the Royal College of Physicians in the UK suggests that the long-term health risks associated with e-cigarettes are unlikely to exceed 5% of those associated with smoked tobacco products. This serves as a proof that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes.

This ban on vape products is not only a violation of our rights as consumers but it also disregards the potential health benefits that vaping can offer to smokers who are struggling to quit. The arbitrary ban on this safer alternative can only lead to an increase in traditional cigarette consumption, reversing the progress that has been made in public health over the years.

It is for these reasons that we urge the relevant authorities to reassess this blanket ban on vape products. Help us return to a world where we can make our own informed decisions about our health. Please sign this petition to reinstate vape products in the marketplace.