Vape specialists VPZ has issued a response to ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) Scotland’s briefing on illicit substance vaping.
The Scottish charity works to eradicate the harms and inequalities caused the use of tobacco and related products, and has urged the Scottish Government to “ensure robust national data is regularly gathered to track and identify emerging trends about young people’s vaping of illicit substances, following a new survey finding young people frequently see online content promoting drugs and e-cigarettes,” it said in a statement released today (11 December).
Jamie Strachan (left), operations director at VPZ, has now responded. He said: “ASH had a clear opportunity - during the development of the Tobacco & Vapes Bill - to support decisive action that would have banned pre-filled disposable vapes and pre-filled pods - products widely acknowledged to fuel youth uptake and create conditions in which criminals can introduce Spice, THC and other illicit substances into the market.
“Their current attempt to raise the alarm about illicit substance vaping is not only contradictory but deeply embarrassing.”
“Instead, just two weeks ago, ASH briefed officials to express their support for the continued availability of these very products. Their current attempt to raise the alarm about illicit substance vaping is therefore not only contradictory but deeply embarrassing, given that they actively opposed the measure that would have removed the primary gateway products from circulation.
“VPZ has consistently warned that pre-filled disposables and pods - sold cheaply, often illegally and easily counterfeited - have become the main driver of youth vaping, and the category most frequently found contaminated with synthetic cannabinoids and other harmful substances.
“We share the genuine concern of parents, schools and health professionals regarding the rise in illicit substance vaping among young people. But meaningful progress requires evidence-led policy and consistency. Supporting these products in government briefings while simultaneously highlighting their harms is a position that simply cannot be reconciled.
“The UK deserves a serious, coherent approach to vaping regulation - one that prioritises public health, safety, and enforcement rather than mixed messages.”
No comments yet