Alkuperäinen postaaja
UKV
If anyone was still wondering why they are doing this to us this, I think, is the answer, ASH 2008:
In 2007 a licence was given for NRT to be used for temporary abstinence but long-term use of pure nicotine products is not yet sanctioned by the MHRA. The pharmaceutical industry has intimated that it would not be interested in producing more efficient products for nicotine maintenance without strong government support and a clear regulatory structure. Pure nicotine products which are marketed as alternatives to smoking, and not as aids to quitting, have been allowed on sale unlicensed by the MHRA and unregulated by the Department of Health. However, as long as the regulatory position remains unclear and ambiguous, there is little incentive for companies to enter this market.
Remember this was written in 2008 when the industry was in its infancy. ASH clearly recognised the potential for ecigs in harm reduction at that time, and the fact that the industry was insufficient in terms of making a difference.
Now roll on 5 years. The government procrastinated and in the meantime the ecig industry flourished via SMEs. Big P has maintained its position that it is not interested unless there is a clear regulatory structure (why? simple, because regulation excludes the SMEs and anyone else who may be cheap competition for them) so in steps big T who have seen the writing on the wall and want in on the action. This is not what they wanted.
So now, in order to ensure that big T behaves (and pays loads of dosh for the privilege) and has like sized competition in the market the legislators think they must bow to the wishes of big P. The tail is wagging the dog.
They are making at least 2 major mistakes. Firstly, they are ignoring the fact that the SMEs have, in the 5 years since that report, shown themselves capable of taking on big T in the market so they don't need a knight in shining armour such as big P. Secondly, they wrongly assume that either big T or big P are capable of supplying a product comparable in terms of attraction to smokers as the ones we currently have.
Stupid beyond words.