What You Need to Know about Vaping in New Zealand

Posted by Biswajit Rakshit on June 21st, 2019

Vaping has taken the New Zealand market by storm, with over 200,000 people stamping out cigarettes in favour of a healthier alternative.

However, there is still a lot of misinformation out there, including where you can vape in NZ, whether it’s safe, and whether any laws surround the use of vape products. Until people have a full education on vaping and vape products, they may not be convinced to make the switch. Hopefully, this little bit of information can help!

Vaping is Safer than Smoking Cigarettes

According to the Ministry of Health, vaping is much less harmful than smoking. Because it’s new, there is not a lot of information on long-term side effects, but it’s thought to be a lesser evil when you compare it to cigarettes.

There will not be any definitive research to prove or disprove vaping’s safety for several years, but what’s available now shows that it’s going to do you more good than harm to make the switch from cigarettes.

Many cancer-causing chemicals are found in burning tobacco from cigarettes, but not in vape products in New Zealand. What toxins are found in the vapour are at far lower levels than cigarettes and are unlikely to cause harm. Vape e-liquids contain nicotine which is harmful to pets and children but does not cause cancer.

Vaping Has Side Effects

It’s true; some people do experience side effects from choosing to vape. Some of the more common ones include headaches, mouth irritation, shortness of breath, throat irritation, a dry throat, coughing, and a dry mouth. These symptoms are both associated with smoking cigarettes and vaping and relate to inhaling vapour.

These short-term side effects are known now, but long-term side effects are not. Time will tell what these may be – if any.

You Have to Be 18 or Older to Buy Vape Products

Like cigarettes, you have to be 18 or older to buy nicotine vaping products. Both the vape devices in New Zealand and e-liquids are regulated under theSmoke-free Environments Act 1990. The flavours in e-liquids come under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. The current government plans to bring in vaping-specific legislations and laws in the near future.

Councils and Businesses Make Their Own Vaping Policies

The government decided back in 2004 to make it illegal to smoke cigarettes in indoor restaurants, bars, and workplaces. Such legislation and laws are not in effect for vapers in NZ. That’s not to say that won’t change in the future.

However, for the time being, your local council and private businesses can make their own vaping policies. The Ministry of Health is encouraging companies to consider the needs of their communities as well as their employees who may be sensitive to vaping or are trying to quit smoking.

You Get to Control Your Nicotine Intake

When you smoke cigarettes, the manufacturers decide how much nicotine to put in your packet. Nicotine is addictive, which is why you may have found it a challenge to quit smoking – or still do find it hard.

When you vape in NZ, you get to control how much nicotine you have. You can start with a high dosage if you’re a heavy smoker who’s looking to quit, or minimal if you’re slowly cutting down. Freebase nicotine ranges from between 3 milligrams and 24 milligrams. Nicotine salt options can go up to 30 mg.

Vaping Feels the Same as Smoking

A smoker who is determined to continue smoking will argue that vaping doesn’t offer the same sensation as smoking. While that’s true to a degree, it’s closer than you think. Smoking and vaping both require the same hand to mouth action. You also take a drag on both and inhale. The higher your nicotine level, the harsher the hit. A smoker will not be able to deny that vaping is similar to smoking once they try it for themselves.

Vaping is More Affordable

If you’re a smoker, you are going to spend around ,000 a year on a 20-a-day habit. If you choose to vape in NZ, you are going to spend significantly less. Start-up costs can vary, but you can pay under for a starter kit. Your ongoing costs then consist of e-liquid and coils, both of which may only set you back around , if not less, for a month. That’s around a third cheaper than smoking.

Conclusion

There are still a lot of question marks surrounding vaping. Regulations are not yet in place by the government that caters to vapers, and long-term side effects are unknown. What is known, however, is that it’s a safer option than smoking, and that vaping is also more affordable.

If you’re ready to quit, but you’ve struggled in the past, then why not see if vaping can help? The Ministry of Health supports your right to quit smoking with the help of a vaping device.