Policy recommendations to reduce underage experimentation

Overview

Blanket bans on flavored vaping products may harm more than help. This policy paper from Tholos Foundation offers practical recommendations to prevent underage use—without undermining public health or adult harm reduction.

While concerns about youth vaping are valid, banning flavored products often leads to greater harm—pushing adults back to smoking and creating thriving black markets.

This report, authored by Tim Andrews of Tholos Foundation, proposes a smarter path: rigorous, research-based policies that protect young people while preserving access for adult smokers looking to quit.

Download full report: Analysis of flavored vaping products as a harm reduction method: Best practices to educate adult smokers and restrict underage experimentation

Key policy recommendations:

1. Strengthen enforcement of existing underage sales laws

• Require online and in-person age verification technologies
• Implement retailer and distributor licensing schemes
• Conduct unannounced compliance checks
• Enforce meaningful penalties and license revocation for violations

2. Restrict marketing and flavor naming that appeals to youth

• Ban product descriptors referencing cartoon characters or candy
• Require flavor names to reflect real, recognisable ingredients (e.g. “berry mint”)
• Align advertising rules with international standards to avoid youth-targeted imagery

3. Limit some flavors to adult-only retail environments

• Inspired by New Zealand’s model, where only specialist vape shops may sell non-tobacco, non-mint flavors
• Adult-only stores use advanced ID verification and are distanced from schools

4. Leverage technology to restrict access

• Encourage manufacturers to adopt age-locked vape devices
• Integrate biometric or digital ID systems to unlock use
• Restrict device activation to verified users only

5. Launch national education campaigns

• Address misinformation around vaping and nicotine
• Promote the message: "Vaping is not for kids—it’s a tool to help adults quit smoking."
• Highlight global success stories, like the UK’s NHS-backed “Vaping Facts” campaign

Conclusion

A blanket ban is a blunt tool. Targeted regulation works better. From tech-driven access controls to smart retail restrictions, the strategies in this paper show how governments can reduce underage experimentation without sacrificing harm reduction.

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