10.2. SR 09-08-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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E-cigarettes: an evidence update 44 that they might be used for new psychoactive substances (sometimes also known as ‘legal highs’). The basis for this fear is being assessed and the use of tank models may be assessed in a restricted pilot shortly. During the first six months of the policy, the EC policy has been implemented smoothly. A more general concern has been raised that EC can be used as a vehicle for other drugs. This concern needs exploring and is not something that should be promoted. Nevertheless, if true, EC are likely to offer a less harmful delivery route for the drugs than smoking which could be the subject of research. Prisons are likely to introduce comprehensive smokefree policies over the next few years [32]. Similar to mental health trusts, it would seem inappropriate to prohibit EC and disposable EC are currently being piloted in at least three priso ns [33]. Consideration should also be given to the use of other models of EC in pilots. The use of EC in prisons has been considered in other jurisdictions which should also be informative [34]. Summary of findings Smoking is increasingly concentrated in disadvantaged groups who tend to be more dependent. EC potentially offer a wide reach, low-cost, intervention to reduce smoking and improve health in disadvantaged groups. Some health trusts and prisons have banned the use of EC which may disproportionately affect more disadvantaged smokers. Policy implications o Consideration could be given to a proactive strategy to encourage disadvantaged smokers to quit smoking as quickly as possible including the use of EC, whe re appropriate, to help reduce health inequalities caused by smoking. o EC should not routinely be treated in the same way as smoking. It is not appropriate to prohibit EC use in health trusts and prisons as part of smokefree policies unless there is a strong rationale to do so. E-cigarettes and smoking behaviour