24 March 2024
Abstract
This commentary examines Australia’s intensified regulatory approach toward nicotine control, revealing a shift that increasingly resembles a de facto War on Nicotine. While traditional tobacco control measures have achieved commendable declines in smoking rates, recent policies– including increased tobacco taxation and a ban on consumer vapes– have inadvertently fuelled a burgeoning nicotine black market. This has resulted in serious unintended consequences, including increased criminal activity, systemic violence, and health risks associated with the proliferation of unregulated nicotine products. By analysing the relationship between nicotine control policies and these outcomes, this paper argues that Australia’s current strategy may be creating more harm than it mitigates, mirroring many of the unintended consequences historically associated with drug prohibition. We contend that a recalibration toward a harm reduction model, coupled with a re-evaluation of tax and improved access to less harmful nicotine products, could achieve a more balanced approach to nicotine control, aligning public health objectives with sustainable, effective policy.