Vapers Gonna Vape- Our research indicates the federal governments' ban on vapes will hit challenges in adoption and implementation

May 3rd, 2023- On Tuesday, Octopus Group Research conducted a national overnight study among n=1,002 past 6 month vapers to assess sentiment about this weeks' announcements on the Governments’ planned reform to ban non-prescription vapes. The study shows cynicism for the reasons behind it and indicates a tough road ahead for implementation and adoption. Here are the details:

Sentiment on impact

The research showed only few vapers believe the ban is a good decision (38%), it impinges on their right to make their own decisions (80%) and only few will stop vaping as a result of the ban (18%).

Scepticism

Further, the study found that scepticism runs deep: 67% believe the Government are more concerned about lost revenue on current non-taxable vaping than they are about safety and health.

Additionally, economic benefits were ranked most often as being the most compelling reason for the Government to implement the ban, equally as often as health risks.

Rise of the black market?

Smokers and Vapers talk about the long-established black market for tobacco and vapes and question the effectiveness of a ban, which the research substantiated. 76% of vapers believe people will find a substitute that is equally as harmful and 28% say they will find Vapes elsewhere, indicating a significant groundswell for a black market trade to thrive.

Behaviour change – are we moving too fast?

Cigarettes have been phased out slowly, prices have risen, and restrictions put into place. So, the controversial question we are asking is: “Are we moving too fast with the ban of recreational vaping?” Our study showed that 65% believe starting with health warnings & plain packaging would have been a better way to start and 52% think strict measures on smoking and vaping are becoming too extreme.

Director John Karathomas says: “It is clear to see that while there is sufficient cause for health concern and regulation, Australian vapers are sceptical of the Government's motivation, think there are better ways of doing it and will not give up or transition to medicinal vapes easily. The Government may find that Vapers will likely respond better to intrinsic appeals for safety and harm to children along with reassurances of other avenues investigated and distance themselves from tax benefits. Further research amongst vapers about how this impacts them and how they plan to cope with the ban will benefit regulators and medical associations greatly.”

For full results or more information please contact our research team at [email protected]