Latvia Survey: 31% Use Nicotine as Bans Drive Illicit Trade

Latvia ban disposable vapes

A survey conducted by the SKDS research center and released by the Smokeless Industry Association shows that 31% of Latvian residents aged 20 to 75 consume tobacco or nicotine products. Traditional combustible cigarettes remain the primary choice, used by 20% of the total population—representing 64.5% of all active nicotine consumers.

Alternative nicotine products account for a smaller share of the market:

  • E-cigarettes: 9% of respondents
  • Heated tobacco: 4% of respondents
  • Nicotine pouches: 2% of respondents
  • Other nicotine products: 2% of respondents

Public opinion leans heavily toward harm reduction rather than outright prohibition. The survey found that 69% of Latvians consider public education more effective than bans. Furthermore, 48% believe the state should actively support harm reduction by giving adult smokers who cannot quit the option to switch to smoke-free alternatives, compared to 29% who oppose this view.

The data highlights unintended consequences following last year’s restrictions on smoke-free products. Among acquaintances of respondents, 23% now purchase alternatives through illegal channels, 20% travel abroad to buy them, and 9% returned to smoking conventional cigarettes. Only 3% quit nicotine altogether.

Matthew Ma
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