title: Potential new regulatory options for e-cigarettes in New Zealand.
abstract: While e-cigarette usage has grown rapidly in New Zealand and around the world, the scientific evidence base regarding the net benefits and risks of these types of products at the population level remains uncertain. The health-based policy experience is also minimal. Here, we analyse plausible future regulatory options for e-cigarettes that the New Zealand Government could explore, and that further research could help clarify. These options include: (1) a full free market (an option we doubt is desirable for multiple reasons); (2) controlled increased access through: (a) pharmacy only, (b) pharmacy only plus sales by prescription/ to licensed vapers; (c) additional controls through non-profit supply/distribution (eg, public hospital pharmacies); (3) increased restrictions compared with current (eg, adopting a complete ban on self-imports and use). In addition, we consider mechanisms to improve product quality and safety, and argue that policy makers should take great care when regulating e-cigarettes, given the scientific uncertainty and the role of commercial vested interests.
authors.affiliation: Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington. Nick.Wilson@otago.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hoek
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Thomson
authors.forename: Tony
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Blakely
authors.forename: Frederieke Sanne
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: van der Deen
authors.forename: Julian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Crane
mesh_terms: D066300:Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems / Q000592:standards*; D033161:Government Regulation; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D009520:New Zealand; D010594:Pharmacies; D016540:Smoking Cessation