Public opinion in Russia on a full ban of electronic cigarettes has reached broad support, with about two-thirds of citizens backing the measure, according to a survey cited by TASS and conducted through the Superjob research service. The report notes that the ban enjoys the approval of 67 percent of respondents, suggesting a clear appetite for tighter controls on vaping products and their sale at the national level. This level of backing appears to be consistent across several demographic groups that were polled, reflecting a widespread belief that stricter regulation would reduce harm and protect public health. The study emphasizes that support is especially pronounced among Russians in the 35 to 44 age range, a cohort that often features heightened awareness of health risks and a pragmatic approach to preventive measures. The poll also reveals that about 13 percent of those questioned oppose the idea, underscoring that a meaningful minority remains wedded to more permissive policies or views the ban as intrusive to personal choice. These figures underscore a public debate where the perceived benefits of restricting access to vaping devices are weighed against concerns about personal freedom and the potential for a shadow market.
The arguments put forward by opponents of a nationwide ban highlight two main concerns. First, there is worry that a prohibition could push consumers back toward traditional cigarettes, which continue to pose well-documented health risks and a different pattern of addiction. Second, critics point to the possibility of a thriving illegal trade that would operate outside the legal framework, potentially undermining regulatory goals and complicating enforcement efforts. In many parts of the world, policymakers face a similar balancing act, trying to curb youth use and public health harms while avoiding unintended consequences that could arise from abrupt, blanket bans. The debate illustrates how regulatory strategies must consider supply chains, enforcement capabilities, and the diverse preferences of citizens when shaping tobacco and nicotine policy.
Historically, lawmakers have signaled a preference for greater oversight of tobacco products. Previously, the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy showed support for government proposals aimed at regulating the circulation of tobacco products, signaling a policy direction that favors tighter control measures. Such steps are often framed around protecting young people, reducing nicotine exposure, and clarifying the legal framework for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. In the current context, this backdrop helps explain why there is momentum behind proposals deemed to mitigate health risks associated with electronic nicotine delivery systems.
An expert from the health sector, Marine Gambaryan, who heads a center focused on preventing tobacco-related harm at a national research facility, has discussed the drivers behind early nicotine exposure and the potential health consequences of youth vaping. In interviews and public statements, Gambaryan stresses the importance of understanding how nicotine addiction can develop rapidly among young people and why some users may experience more severe health issues when starting early. The expert also points to the phenomenon often labeled as the “electronic smoking disease,” noting that certain health risks associated with vaping can be more acute for younger users and those with preexisting conditions. These insights help contextualize the urgency behind policy discussions and the public health rationale for strict regulation.