New research highlights the role of flavours in helping smokers quit

Shannon Gravely, David Sweanor, Pete Driezen, David T. Levy, Geoffrey T. Fong, Anne C. K. Quah, Lorraine V. Craig, Janet Chung-Hall, Susan C. Kaai, K. Michael Cummings

Renowned expert Professor David Sweanor analysed data from 1,771 Canadian adults who smoke or previously smoked, revealing the critical role of flavoured vaping products in quitting smoking:

• 68% of successful switchers relied on flavoured vapes, particularly fruit flavours.

• 1 in 5 adults attempting to quit smoking between 2020 and 2022 used vaping as a cessation tool.

• Flavours enhance the appeal, satisfaction, and success of vaping as a lower-risk alternative to smoking.

• Restricting flavours could reduce smoking cessation rates, making lower-risk products less effective.

Policy Implications

Researchers urge risk-proportionate regulation over outright bans, balancing harm reduction with youth prevention. Alternatives to flavour bans should be carefully considered to ensure smokers have effective options to transition away from cigarettes.

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