5 ms·

They seem to be focused on stopping it 100% instead of practicing harm reduction. I don't think it makes any sense at all except from a bureaucratic, elementary

They seem to be focused on stopping it 100% instead of practicing harm reduction. I don't think it makes any sense at all except from a bureaucratic, elementary school, Zero Tolerance kind of perspective. Is there are another reason why it seems institutions are so resistant to this? They seem more concerned with raising the age to buy these products to 21 worldwide. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/19/health/cigarette-sales-age-21.html https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/19/health/cigarette-sales-ag...

throw_away 7y ago
The tobacco Master Settlement Agreement with the states has a provision whereby they lose money if cessation programs are 'too' successful: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tobacco-bonds-ecigs-insight/e-cigarettes-could-stub-out-tobacco-bonds-sooner-than-thought-idUSKBN0EZ0CZ20140624 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tobacco-bonds-ecigs-insig... & then also, I suspect the incumbent tobacco industry lobbying effort is already deeply entrenched and dwarfs anything that might be fielded by the e-cig industry.
mkl 7y ago
I think there is an ethical consideration about addictive substances like tobacco. It's not okay for companies to use physical addiction to force further sales of their product, and many/most teenagers aren't able or willing to think through the ramifications of starting a long term addictive habit.
- big_chungus 7y ago
  Do you believe alcohol sales are un-ethical? Alcohol can be extremely addictive, and in spite of the rampant use among youth, I don't hear public outcry against brewers. I'm not saying it's apples-to-apples, but I believe the fact that those crying out want alcohol more than a vape may play a role in the selection of Boogeyman of the Day.
  - mkl 7y ago
    I see what you're saying, and while I personally don't consume much alcohol, I'm not convinced its sale is unethical. I think there's a difference that makes tobacco addiction more problematic: The large majority of smokers are addicted, but only a small proportion of alcohol drinkers are.
  - Retric 7y ago
    Lockyer v. Reynolds demonstrates companies targeting children is considered a significant issue. Vaping seems to be sidestepping those regulations and actively targeting young teens. Further, alcohol has a drinking age of 21 making it somewhat harder for young teens to regularly access. Vaping on the other hand becomes a regular habit due to easy access.
- chiefalchemist 7y ago
  I'll take it a step further...not only is the product addictive and a known carcinogen. But, the gov approves its sale _and_ taxes it. Imagine UBL saying he was going to "infect" America with an addictive carcinogen. There would be true outrage. But since we do it to ourselves - fed approved - it normal.

throw_away 7y ago

The tobacco Master Settlement Agreement with the states has a provision whereby they lose money if cessation programs are 'too' successful: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tobacco-bonds-ecigs-insight/e-cigarettes-could-stub-out-tobacco-bonds-sooner-than-thought-idUSKBN0EZ0CZ20140624 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tobacco-bonds-ecigs-insig... & then also, I suspect the incumbent tobacco industry lobbying effort is already deeply entrenched and dwarfs anything that might be fielded by the e-cig industry.

mkl 7y ago

I think there is an ethical consideration about addictive substances like tobacco. It's not okay for companies to use physical addiction to force further sales of their product, and many/most teenagers aren't able or willing to think through the ramifications of starting a long term addictive habit.

big_chungus 7y ago
Do you believe alcohol sales are un-ethical? Alcohol can be extremely addictive, and in spite of the rampant use among youth, I don't hear public outcry against brewers. I'm not saying it's apples-to-apples, but I believe the fact that those crying out want alcohol more than a vape may play a role in the selection of Boogeyman of the Day.
- mkl 7y ago
  I see what you're saying, and while I personally don't consume much alcohol, I'm not convinced its sale is unethical. I think there's a difference that makes tobacco addiction more problematic: The large majority of smokers are addicted, but only a small proportion of alcohol drinkers are.
- Retric 7y ago
  Lockyer v. Reynolds demonstrates companies targeting children is considered a significant issue. Vaping seems to be sidestepping those regulations and actively targeting young teens. Further, alcohol has a drinking age of 21 making it somewhat harder for young teens to regularly access. Vaping on the other hand becomes a regular habit due to easy access.
chiefalchemist 7y ago
I'll take it a step further...not only is the product addictive and a known carcinogen. But, the gov approves its sale _and_ taxes it. Imagine UBL saying he was going to "infect" America with an addictive carcinogen. There would be true outrage. But since we do it to ourselves - fed approved - it normal.