Will the Cabinet Minister consider restricting the use of vapes to those actively trying to give up smoking by making them prescription-only?
I recognise some smokers use vape products to help them to quit smoking. However, as many vapes contain nicotine, which is very addictive, and because the long-term impact of vapes use are still emerging, these products are not-risk free. I am also very concerned by increases in the number of young people using vapes in Wales and the impact these products are having on their health and wellbeing. I am therefore currently considering my approach to implementing the measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, including the most appropriate ways to prevent vape products from being made appealing to young people, but also their role in our smoking cessation system, Help Me Quit (HMQ).
As accessing NHS support increases smokers’ chances of success by up to 300% compared to going it alone, our HMQ service offers a range of services for smokers. This includes tailored support during pregnancy, for those who are hospital inpatients as well as in the community and includes free Nicotine Replacement Therapy. In relation to vapes, although the number of people using vapes in Wales has increased in recent years, many now want help to quit. To support these individuals, HMQ has recently been expanded to include vaping cessation support which is available to young people over 12 years old and includes online tools as well as the ability to speak to an adviser for support.