In Switzerland, where nicotine- containing liquids are still not legal, e-cigarettes were found to be a popular method chosen by heavy smokers to quit smoking in 2015. This news landed on the political agenda at the time, as the Swiss Tobacco Products Control Act was under consideration.
According to a monitoring report released in October 2016 in Switzerland, e-cigarettes were the most popular method used by heavy smokers (average 5.8%), ahead of nicotine gum (3.8%), nicotine patches (3.4%) and other products (3.3%).
A marked change from 2013 to 2015
These figures represent a stark contrast to two years ago, when nicotine gum (9.2%) and nicotine patches (6.9%) were the two most popular methods smokers used to quit smoking. At that time, e-cigarettes accounted for just 2.7% of the smoking cessation toolkit.
According to additional information, one in two smokers (52.8%) want to quit in the next month, a figure that has increased since the previous survey. For those who do not want to quit, the reason is “fun” (49% of heavy smokers and 60.7% of regular smokers).
The enjoyment is what attracts smokers to switch to e-cigarettes. And what makes this appeal even higher is that e-cigarettes are more versatile and a safer habit than regular cigarettes.
The risks of vaping compared to smoking are a concept that the majority of smokers in Switzerland understand, as the reasons they give for quitting smoking are “preventing diseases” (33.4%) and “eliminating the consequences of smoking” (16.1%, down from 21.1% in 2013).
The political status quo opens up a more complete view
The Swiss Tobacco Products Control Act (LPTab) is currently under review and the rapidly growing popularity of cigarettes has come at the right time. Remember that in June 2016, the Swiss Council of States drafted an LPTab that would equate e-cigarettes with tobacco. This proposal was strongly opposed by the Cantonal Board of Public Health and Social Security (CSSS-E).
The Swedish Helvetic Vape Association has yet to comment on the official figures from this survey, but it is understood that this announcement reinforces their position before the government legalizes nicotine e-liquids and separates vaping products from tobacco products: this is the sensible choice. Who can take alcoholics to a liquor store and say it is good for them?
9.0% of smokers who voluntarily quit smoking have tried e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, and only 2.7% of them have shown no interest in quitting. The report points out that e-cigarette use as a smoking cessation method is still low compared to other countries in the European region. However, by making nicotine-containing liquids more accessible, health authorities will reassure the public about vaping and facilitate the transition from smoking to vaping.
There is still no specific conclusion about the impact of e-cigarettes on smoking cessation, but this is still a positive sign.
The report notes that “it does not yet allow any conclusions to be drawn about the impact of e-cigarettes on smoking cessation”, however it does show clear signs that the current situation could be improved by easing the legislation on e-liquids and is a strong signal to the government.
This article was published on Vapingpost by Jérôme Harlay and translated by The Vape Club
