Danish survey: Nicotine bag restriction proposal opposed by 80% of users, 50% say it will be illegal to purchase

Danish survey: Nicotine bag restriction proposal opposed by 80% of users, 50% say it will be illegal to purchase

A survey in Denmark shows that three-quarters of Danish consumers use nicotine bags for health reasons, and 80% of users oppose the restriction proposal, stating that it may lead to the proliferation of the black market. Since the introduction of nicotine bags in Denmark in 2018, the country's smoking rate has decreased to 14% in 2023.

According to Business Wire on November 19th, the Tholos Foundation recently released a survey by the international polling company IPSOS to discuss Danish consumers' reactions to the proposal to restrict nicotine bags.

The survey shows that three-quarters of consumers use nicotine bags for health reasons, primarily to reduce or quit smoking. Since the introduction of nicotine bags in Denmark in 2018, the country's smoking rate has decreased from 19% to 14% by 2023. The study also found that nearly 20% of nicotine bag users stated that if the ban is implemented, they will resume smoking.

The investigation also found that implementing such a proposal could lead to a surge in black market sales, with approximately 50% of consumers expected to make illegal purchases. Most consumers do not support the proposed nicotine restriction.

Consumer Affairs Director Tim Andrews said,

The evidence clearly indicates that nicotine bags help consumers quit smoking and reduce harm. The proposed nicotine restrictions will have a catastrophic impact on public health, leading to an increase in smoking rates and the proliferation of the black market

80% of consumers believe that nicotine bags can help reduce smoking rates and believe that the government should support alternatives that are less harmful than smoking, which is a strong voter group. This clearly indicates that the government should follow international best practices, guide through smart regulations based on research and evidence, restrict the sale to minors and prevent minors from trying, while still allowing adults to quit smoking

In September 2024, the Danish government released a draft of nicotine content limits for tobacco alternatives, proposing to limit the nicotine content per bag to 9 milligrams.