Vapers in Sweden are happy that their opinions and concerns have been heard, and vape flavours are to remain available on the market.

Last February Sweden’s Ministry of Social Affairs ανακοινώθηκε plans of a vape flavour ban. The announcement certainly took many by surprise, especially given that in 2018 Sweden reached a Smokefree status by endorsing the use of another nicotine alternative product.  Naturally tobacco harm reduction experts and groups protested against the ban, highlighting the repercussions that it would have on former smokers.

Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA) Michael Landl, had argued that if the measure went into effect, the 150,000 former smokers in Sweden who are currently vaping instead, could be forced to switch back to smoking. “Banning flavours could force thousands of former smokers in Sweden to take up the habit once again. Research shows vapers are more than twice as likely to quit with flavours. If they are banned, 150.000 vapers – the equivalent of almost the entire population of Uppsala – would lose their flavours and could go back to smoking. This would be a major setback in the fight against smoking and its related illnesses.”

To this effect, the WVA had held a demonstration and taken to the streets with a billboard reading “Flavours Matter,” explaining how vape flavours help smokers quit cigarettes. The billboard was driven to the Parliament buildings in Stockholm and the following week the group displayed an art installation with the message “Flavours Matter – Flavours help smokers quit” also in front of Parliament.

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