In March 2025, the controversy over whether e-cigarettes have the function of quitting smoking continued to ferment. Many studies have shown that e-cigarettes are limited in helping smokers completely quit nicotine dependence, and may even increase the risk of relapse. In response to this conclusion, GUUTUU, a global e-cigarette technology company, proposed that a hierarchical regulatory system should be built based on scientific evidence to balance the dual goals of “harm reduction substitution” and “youth protection”.
A study by the University of California, San Diego found that smokers who switched to e-cigarettes were 8.5% more likely to relapse to traditional cigarettes in the second year than those who quit smoking completely. The World Health Organization (WHO) also pointed out that there is no sufficient evidence that e-cigarettes can effectively quit smoking, but may prolong the nicotine dependence cycle.
E-cigarettes relieve smoking addiction by providing nicotine, but do not change smokers’ physiological dependence on nicotine. Research from the University of London in the UK shows that long-term use of e-cigarettes may enhance nicotine addiction, making it more difficult for smokers to quit completely.
The aerosols released by e-cigarettes contain carcinogens such as formaldehyde and heavy metals, and the harmful substances produced by high-power devices have doubled. Teenagers using e-cigarettes may cause brain development disorders and anxiety.
Controversy focus: Harm reduction alternative or health trap?
Supporters’ views: Some studies believe that e-cigarettes can be used as a transition tool for traditional cigarettes. For example, designs that can gradually reduce nicotine content theoretically have harm reduction potential, and e-cigarettes do not contain tar and carbon monoxide, and the short-term health risks are lower than traditional tobacco.
Opponents’ evidence: The World Health Organization and public health agencies in many countries emphasize that e-cigarette marketing strategies target teenagers and non-smokers, and induce new users through fruity designs and social media promotion. China’s “Smoking Hazards Health Report 2020” clearly defines e-cigarettes as unsafe products.
In response to the controversy over e-cigarettes, GUUTUU puts forward the following position: For adult smokers: Keep e-cigarettes accessible as a harm reduction alternative, but control the risk of abuse through technical means such as prescription management and nicotine gradient reduction. For teenagers and non-smokers: strictly prohibit e-cigarette advertising, online sales and flavored products, strengthen retailers’ age verification responsibilities, and impose high penalties on violators.
Develop low-nicotine/nicotine-free products, and limit access to minors through smart devices (such as biometric locks). Cooperate with medical institutions to carry out popular science on smoking cessation, clarify that e-cigarettes are not “harmless substitutes”, and promote proven smoking cessation therapies (such as drug interventions and behavioral therapies).
GUUTUU believes that a complete ban on e-cigarettes may force consumers to turn to the illegal market, which will increase health risks. It is recommended to refer to the UK’s hierarchical management model and include e-cigarettes in the medical regulatory framework rather than ordinary consumer products.
Current research has made it clear that e-cigarettes cannot achieve complete smoking cessation, but their potential as a harm reduction tool still needs long-term data verification. GUUTUU emphasized that regulatory policies must take into account the following principles: give priority to scientific evidence, avoid being misled by short-term commercial interests or one-sided conclusions; strengthen cross-border cooperation, establish unified regulatory standards for nicotine products; pay attention to youth protection, and cut off the channels for e-cigarettes to spread to non-smoking people. In the future, only through multi-party collaboration and technological innovation can we curb the public health crisis of new nicotine products while reducing the harm of traditional tobacco.
Tags: e-cigarette user growth, youth health risks, reducing the harm of traditional tobacco, veehoo vape