The initiative is being presented both as a source of income for the State and also as “in favour of the fundamental right to health.” However highlights the World Vapers Association (WVA) in a release, given the scientific evidence in favour of vapes for smoking cessation, the initiative is doomed “to fail in its proposed objectives.”
The initiative is failing to consider the testimonies and the experience of thousands of users and vaping entrepreneurs in the country, and Congresswoman Giraldo has not consulted with any of the affected groups about her proposal.
Vape taxes have unintended consequences
Meanwhile, in line with predictions by multiple public health and smoking cessation experts, a recent study by Yale Professor Abigail Friedman and Georgia State University Professor Michael Pesko, has confirmed that vape taxes have serious unintended consequences by leading to increased smoking rates.
Titled, “Young adult responses to taxes on cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery systems,” the study looked into the impact that vape tax increases had on vaping and smoking behaviours among young consumers aged between 18 and 25. In line with arguments and predictions by experts in the field, the researchers found that while higher vape tax rates lead to decreased e-cig use, they also lead to an increase in smoking.
“A one dollar increase in [vaping] taxes yielded significant reductions in young adults’ daily vaping alongside increases in recent smoking,” reported the authors. “The researchers ultimately conclude that “higher taxes on electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are associated with decreased ENDS use but increased cigarette smoking among 18-25 year-olds.”
An article on Fee.Org highlighted that this is a well known phenomenon known as the “substitution effect,” where the decrease in sales for a product tends to be attributed to them switching to cheaper alternatives.
German Vape Group to File Complaint Against Imminent Tax Scheme
