Menthol Banned
Menthol tobacco products are banned as of today – so it’s never been a better time for menthol smokers to consider vaping
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by Dave Cross
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The ban applies to any flavoured tobacco product and includes “click” cigarettes that can change flavour by pressing the filter.
The regulations state: "No person may produce or supply a cigarette or hand rolling tobacco with:
- a filter, paper, package, capsule or other component containing flavourings;
- a filter, paper or capsule containing tobacco or nicotine; or
- a technical feature allowing the consumer to modify the smell, taste, or smoke intensity of the product.
All cigarettes are harmful and menthol cigarettes are just as dangerous as normal cigarettes."
Vapeclub explains: “Amongst other things, one of the aims of this legislation was to eventually prohibit cigarettes with a 'characterising flavour', which comes into full effect on 20th May 2020. A ‘characterising flavour’ means a smell or taste, other than tobacco, which is clearly noticeable before or during consumption and results from an additive or combination of additives, including menthol. This ‘characterising flavour’ is essentially deemed to make tobacco consumption more attractive and appealing towards certain social groups, with the ban expected to contribute significantly to the UK’s aim to be a smoke-free nation by 2030.” [link]
The company states that a study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information found 56% of menthol smokers stated “that they would continue to smoke using regular cigarettes or rolling tobacco”.
Vapeclub explains that vaping offers a great alternative to menthol cigarettes. It writes: “Vaping of course has not been affected by the menthol ban changes as vaping isn’t smoking due to there being no combustion or tobacco involved. In fact, one of the most admired public health organisations in the world, PHE (Public Health England), states that vaping is vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking, whilst the scientific journal Addiction states vaping ‘helps over 70,000 people quit smoking each year in the UK’.”
Companies have been gearing up to deal with the change. British American Tobacco (BAT) launched a range of new menthol vaping flavours and starter kits for its Vype brand. It says: “Designed for smokers of menthol tobacco products, the expansion of BAT UK’s portfolio will offer the 23% of smokers who will be without their preferred product a viable menthol alternative.”
Fredrik Svensson, BAT UK & Ireland General Manager, said: “The upcoming ban on menthol cigarettes is inevitably going to leave many adult smokers without their preferred product. That’s why it’s crucial that we are able to accommodate those looking for alternatives, particularly consumers who see the ban as an opportunity to make the switch to vaping.”
Anyone wanting to find something other than a pod system like Vype can find plenty advice and support on the Planet of the Vapes forum. Vapeclub sell a huge range of kits, mods, atomisers, and juices to help smokers switch to vaping.
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Dave Cross
Journalist at POTVDave is a freelance writer; with articles on music, motorbikes, football, pop-science, vaping and tobacco harm reduction in Sounds, Melody Maker, UBG, AWoL, Bike, When Saturday Comes, Vape News Magazine, and syndicated across the Johnston Press group. He was published in an anthology of “Greatest Football Writing”, but still believes this was a mistake. Dave contributes sketches to comedy shows and used to co-host a radio sketch show. He’s worked with numerous vape companies to develop content for their websites.
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