I’ll be honest—when I first started getting involved in vaping advocacy, I thought I had a pretty good handle on my country’s regulations. Turns out, I had no idea how deep the rabbit hole went. There were hidden taxes, restrictions I hadn’t even noticed, and policymakers making decisions about vaping who clearly had never talked to an actual vaper in their life.

If you’re reading this, chances are you care about vaping and want to make a difference. That’s awesome! But before you jump in, there are a few things you need to know so you can advocate effectively without burning out or getting frustrated too soon.

Step 1: Know the Laws Like the Back of Your Hand

This was my first mistake—I assumed I knew the rules, but I only knew the basics. Before you start advocating, take the time to:
✔️ Look up national and local vaping laws (taxes, age restrictions, advertising rules, and so on.)
✔️ Check upcoming policy changes (Are flavour bans being discussed? Higher taxes?)
✔️ Find out who is making these decisions (health ministries, parliaments, regulatory agencies)

Step 2: Be Ready to Debunk Myths

The biggest challenge? Misinformation is everywhere. You’ll hear things like:
  “Vaping is just as bad as smoking.”
  “Nicotine causes cancer.”
  “Flavours are just for kids.”

Knowing how to respond with actual facts is key. A few good sources to keep on hand:
  Public Health England’s report on vaping being 95% less harmful than smoking
  Studies showing how vaping helps smokers quit
  Data from countries that have embraced harm reduction and seen smoking rates drop

We’ve gathered and debunked some common myths ovdje, hope this will be useful for you too.

Step 3: Find Your People

Advocacy is a team effort. No one wants to be the lone voice yelling into the void. Connect with:

•  Local vape shops (they often have insight on policies and bans)
•  Consumer advocacy groups (like the World Vapers Alliance!)
• Scientists and doctors who support harm reduction

Even if it’s just joining a Facebook group or Telegram chat, having people who get it makes a huge difference.

Step 4: Talk to Policymakers 

In some countries—like mine—most discussions about vaping regulations happen behind closed doors. Consumers don’t get the luxury of being present when decisions are made about them. But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. Here’s what you can do:

Stay alert – Keep an eye on policy announcements, media reports, and leaked drafts of regulations. Bad policies often gain traction before the public even knows they exist.

Build a strong community – If policymakers won’t talk to us, we need to make enough noise that they have to listen. Connect with other vapers, shop owners, and advocates to coordinate responses. A united front is harder to ignore.

Engage the people – If discussions are happening in secret, make sure the public knows about it. Write op-eds, contact journalists, and share information on social media. Pressure from the public can force policymakers to reconsider.

Reach out anyway – Even if your government is known for keeping consumers out of the conversation, send emails, make phone calls, and request meetings. Some policymakers might actually be open to learning more—they just haven’t had the chance yet.

Be smart and strategic – Advocacy isn’t just about speaking up—it’s about speaking up effectively. Avoid aggressive tactics that can backfire, and always use well-researched facts when making your case.

Even if the doors are closed now, history has shown that enough public pressure can force them open.

Advocacy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to change the world overnight. Start by learning, connecting, and spreading awareness. Even small efforts—signing a petition, correcting misinformation, or talking to one policymaker—make a difference.

Oh, and one last thing: don’t burn yourself out. Advocacy is a long game, and we need every voice we can get. Take breaks when you need to, celebrate small wins, and remember why you started.

Stay strong, stay loud, and vape on.