Study Finds Less Restrictive Vaping Laws Linked to Faster Decline in Smoking Rates
A University of Queensland study reveals smoking rates declined twice as fast in New Zealand compared to Australia, crediting less restrictive vaping policies. Between 2016-2023, New Zealand’s adult daily smoking rates fell by 10% annually, while Australia saw only a 5% annual drop. Researchers attribute this gap to differing approaches to vaping access.
New Zealand treats vaping as a smoking cessation tool, allowing regulated retail sales akin to the UK and Canada. In 2023, 9.7% of NZ adults vaped daily versus 3.5% in Australia, where only medical prescriptions grant legal access.
“The smoking decline aligns closely with vaping adoption,” said Emeritus Professor Wayne Hall, lead author of the study. “Younger adults—the most frequent vapers—showed the steepest reductions, particularly in disadvantaged groups with historically high smoking rates.”
Australia’s medical-only model has spawned a violent black market supplying 90% of vaping products. Co-author Gary Chan warned restrictive policies create unintended consequences: “Balancing youth protection and adult access is critical. Licensed retail sales, strict age checks, and flavor marketing bans could curb misuse without stifling harm reduction.”
Regulatory Models Compared
New Zealand’s Harm Reduction Approach
- Allows licensed retailers to sell nicotine vapes
- Explicitly promotes vaping as smoking cessation tool
- Achieved 41% smoking reduction in high-risk Māori communities
Australia’s Medical Prescription Model
- Limits vapes to pharmacies with doctor approval
- Fuels $300M illicit market (90% of vape sales)
- Associated with slower smoking decline in remote Indigenous communities
| Policy Feature | New Zealand | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Vape Access | Licensed Retailers | Medical Prescriptions |
| Adult Daily Vaping | 9.7% (2023) | 3.5% (2023) |
| Smoking Decline | 10% annual reduction | 5% annual reduction |
| Illicit Market Share | Minimal | 90%+ |
Deakin University’s Professor Ron Borland emphasized regulated sales could benefit marginalized communities: “Adopting NZ’s model may accelerate smoking declines in Indigenous and low-income groups while shrinking illicit trade.” The study urges Australia to:
- License vape retailers
- Ban youth-targeted flavors/ads
- Frame vaping as safer than smoking
The research is published in Addiction.:
Do the differing vaping and smoking trends in Australia and New Zealand reflect different regulatory policies?
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