The E-cigarette Industry Association warns of the impact of the rise of illicit ‘flavored’ vapes on legal nicotine vaping retailers.
The UK vape Industry Association Conference (Better Retailing) reported on August 27th (UKVIA) that it has warned of the impact of the rise of illegal “flavored” (synthetic cannabinoid) e-cigarettes on legitimate nicotine vape retailers. The addition of an “open” vape device that can add its e-liquids to deliver synthetic cannabinoids such as “flavors” and the psychoactive compound THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) contained in cannabis.
The National Health Service based in England (NHS) has said that “flavors” are more harmful and less predictable than cannabis.
John Dunne, Director General of the UKVIA Consumers buying legal products from reputable vape suppliers can be reassured that the smoking tar vapes they buy are designed to help them make the transition from tobacco. However, he is also concerned that vape devices obtained from unofficial sources may contain illegal drugs and consumers may not even know what these products contain.
According to data from the UK’s Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), cannabis was the most common treatment-seeking substance among 12,418 minors who came into contact with alcohol and drug services between April 2022 and March 2023 (87%).1,737 out of 10,837 young people reported that they had a problem with cigarette tar.
In addition, UKVIA supports the introduction of our vape licensing system, which provides over £50 million a year in funding to combat the sale of illegal vapes and imposes a £10,000 fine on convicted “dirty” retailers.
