Is Banning Cigarettes for Future Generations an Effective Strategy to Combat Smoking?
The United Kingdom has recently proposed to ban younger generations from ever buying cigarettes, leading to discussions about whether Canada should consider a similar approach. However, many experts argue that this measure alone is insufficient to effectively combat smoking and tobacco use. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced planned legislation to raise the smoking age by one year, every year, with the goal of potentially eradicating smoking among young people by 2040. If passed, the UK would be the first European country to implement such a ban, following in the footsteps of New Zealand.
Academics have shown that increasing the smoking age can successfully reduce smoking rates among young people. Rob Cunningham from the Canadian Cancer Society believes that Canada should implement similar measures but emphasizes that it should be part of a multi-step plan. “The approaches of the United Kingdom and New Zealand are innovative. The majority of smokers start as underage youth, so this is something we can implement in Canada,” he said. However, Cunningham emphasizes the need for multiple measures to tackle this issue.
Geoffrey Fong, a professor at the University of Waterloo, agrees that multiple measures are necessary and considers the “smoke-free generation” option as one of them. He points to New Zealand’s “extraordinary” smoke-free plan, which includes targeting nicotine. The legislation bans cigarette sales to anyone born after January 1, 2009, with a yearly increase in the smoking age. It also reduces the amount of nicotine allowed in tobacco products to “non-addictive levels” by 2050.
Clinical trials have shown that reducing nicotine content in cigarettes can significantly reduce nicotine exposure, smoking rates, and dependence. Health Canada, however, currently does not include nicotine reduction in its tobacco strategy. Instead, it focuses on providing information and access to less harmful sources of nicotine and helping Canadians quit or reduce their addiction to nicotine. The goal is to achieve less than 5% tobacco use by 2035.
According to recent data from the World Health Organization, more than eight million people die from tobacco use every year, and tobacco kills approximately 46,000 Canadians annually. Statistics Canada reports that about 12% of the population over the age of 12 still smokes cigarettes, while more than 60% have never smoked.
While Canada is not currently pursuing legislation similar to the UK and New Zealand, Health Minister Mark Holland stated that the government is considering other jurisdictions’ actions and will make informed decisions based on evidence. Holland highlighted the importance of cessation efforts and the remarkable progress made through partnerships with provinces, territories, and various organizations.
Canada has already implemented several tobacco control measures, such as warnings on each individual cigarette stick and graphic images on product packaging. Displaying tobacco products in most convenience stores has also been banned since the late 2000s. However, Cunningham believes that further steps should be taken, citing New Zealand’s reduction in the number of stores legally allowed to sell tobacco as an example.
Health Canada is conducting its second legislative review of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act, seeking input from the public on various topics related to tobacco regulation. Some provinces have already taken additional steps to restrict smoking, such as Prince Edward Island raising the smoking age to 21. British Columbia’s health minister has also expressed interest in age restrictions proposed by the UK and New Zealand.
While further restrictions on tobacco products may lead to an increase in illegal trade, experts argue that a comprehensive strategy is necessary to combat smoking effectively. Eric Gagnon from Imperial Tobacco Canada suggests that prohibition would only strengthen the illegal market. He notes that any youth who smoke cigarettes are likely already obtaining them illegally.
In summary, while banning cigarettes for future generations is an innovative idea, experts argue that it should be part of a broader approach. Multiple measures, including raising the smoking age, reducing nicotine content, and implementing comprehensive cessation efforts, are necessary to combat smoking effectively.
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