INTRODUCTION

This autumn, the world of vaping in France was rocked by two major announcements. VAPYOU, an emblematic journal providing information on vaping, published its last issue, bringing to an end a decade of commitment to vapers. At the same time, SOVAPE, an association dedicated to harm reduction, announced its dissolution, citing constant political pressure and obstruction.

While vaping is widely recognised as one of the most effective tools for quitting smoking, the disappearance of these two institutions raises serious concerns about the future of vaping in France. But what about the situation in Switzerland, where strict new regulations on vaping have just come into force? These developments seem to reveal a worrying global trend: despite incontrovertible evidence of the effectiveness of vaping in reducing the harm caused by smoking, it continues to be misunderstood, marginalised and even demonised by the health authorities.

VAPYOU : A KEY PUBLICATION DISAPPEARING

For almost ten years, VAPYOU has been a key source of information for vapers. This newspaper has made thousands of smokers aware of the benefits of vaping by providing accurate, objective information. Its creator, Sébastien Béziau, has led a veritable crusade to educate the public about the benefits of vaping and deconstruct prejudices.

The decision to stop VAPYOU illustrates the growing challenges facing the vape community. Although vaping has demonstrated its effectiveness as a harm reduction method, it often remains marginalised in public health discussions. The lack of recognition of this tool as a solution for quitting smoking, combined with the absence of a constructive dialogue with the authorities, is holding back its development.

This decision comes against a backdrop of stricter regulations, misinformation and the increasing stigmatisation of vaping. This phenomenon is not confined to France: in Switzerland too, legislative changes are introducing new restrictions, making the future complicated for vapers and professionals in the sector.

SOVAPE : A BROKEN DIALOGUE WITH THE AUTHORITIES

Simultaneously, the association SOVAPE, founded in 2016 to promote vaping as a public health tool, has also announced its dissolution. For years, SOVAPE has organised major events such as the Sommets de la Vape, where experts, healthcare professionals and representatives of the authorities came together to debate the issues surrounding vaping. Their aim was simple: to gain recognition for vaping as a legitimate and effective solution for reducing smoking.

Unfortunately, these efforts have come to nothing. Nathalie Dunand, the association's president, expressed her dismay at the increasingly hostile climate: political pressure and institutional blockages have gradually reduced their ability to act. The decision by the BVA institute to stop working with them on surveys, because of a partnership with a health player opposed to vaping, was the last straw.

This situation echoes what is currently happening in Switzerland, where, despite a growing market, new regulations impose severe restrictions on advertising and access to vaping products. In both France and Switzerland, harm reduction seems to be viewed with suspicion, despite the abundant scientific evidence in its favour.

VAPING : A REAL ALTERNATIVE TO SMOKING

Despite the pressure, it's important to remember that vaping is still the most effective way of giving up smoking. Unlike traditional cigarettes, which release deadly toxins by burning tobacco, electronic cigarettes work by vaping, eliminating a large proportion of the harmful substances. Studies are clear: vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking.

Vaping offers smokers a safer alternative that satisfies their nicotine cravings without exposing them to the dangers of tar and carbon monoxide, two of the most toxic components of cigarette smoke. For millions of smokers around the world, vape has represented a way out of smoking, enabling them to regain better health while maintaining a familiar habit.

Unfortunately, this reality is often ignored by the public health authorities, who struggle to distinguish vaping from smoking. This confusion contributes to misguided policies that fail to recognise vape as a risk-reduction solution, preferring to see it as an extension of the dangers of tobacco.

SWITZERLAND : A STRICTER LEGAL SYSTEM

The vaping market in Switzerland is undergoing a major transformation with the entry into force of the new Federal Law on Tobacco Products, which places stricter restrictions on the sale, advertising and use of electronic cigarettes. Among the main restrictions, advertising for vaping products is now subject to rules similar to those for tobacco, limiting their visibility, particularly on the internet and in public places.

Although these measures are motivated by a desire to protect young people and limit exposure to nicotine, there is a risk that they will hinder access to adult smokers who are looking to quit smoking thanks to vape. At a time when thousands of Swiss smokers have succeeded in giving up smoking thanks to electronic cigarettes, these new regulations could hamper their efforts to quit.

Vape professionals therefore find themselves in a situation where their role in risk reduction is being called into question, despite the scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of vaping. This paradox highlights an inconsistency in public policy, which continues to demonise vaping while underestimating the real dangers of smoking.

CONCLUSION

Recent announcements in France and new regulations in Switzerland show that the fight for recognition of vaping is far from over. Industry players must step up their efforts to defend this alternative to tobacco and re-establish a constructive dialogue with the health authorities.

The end of VAPYOU and the dissolution of SOVAPE are hard blows, but they should not mark the end of the harm reduction movement. On the contrary, it should be a call to action for a new generation of campaigners, ready to explore new ways of promoting vaping as an essential tool in the fight against smoking.

It's crucial to continue to defend harm reduction, and to remember that vaping is not the problem, it's part of the solution.


Thank you for reading.

The Sweetch team