Is Synthetic Nicotine The Future? With the implementation of vaping regulations around the world, it is no surprise that ever more inventive ways to circumvent these regulations are thought up.
When a lifesaving alternative is demonised by the powers that be, they couldn’t expect anything less.
Some vapers may wonder why electronic cigarettes are classed as a tobacco product. The current regulations are based around the fact that traditional nicotine used in e-liquid is derived from the tobacco plant. Even though your favourite all day vape does not contain tobacco, it is seen as a ‘tobacco product’ and electronic cigarettes are accessories to help deliver said tobacco product.
The idea of synthetic nicotine has been floating around for a while now. Said to be a ‘cleaner’ taste than traditional nicotine, it is made up of the same chemical structure, but produced in a lab. The argument put forward is that synthetic nicotine is not a ‘tobacco product’ and therefore does not fall under any current legislation.
The FDA said about the impending deeming regulations:
“Not all nicotine-free e-liquids (NFLs) are subject to the deeming rule. Assuming an NFL is not made or derived from tobacco, it is subject to the rule only if it meets the definition of a ‘component or part’ —that is, if it is ‘intended or reasonably expected’ either…(1) To alter or affect [a] tobacco product’s performance,
composition, constituents, or characteristics; or (2) To be used with or for the human consumption of a tobacco product; and is not an accessory”
Simply put, if it is not a tobacco product, it is not covered.
Although this looks good on paper, it may not be the savoir of the vaping world.
It is still difficult to manufacture and only a few companies currently produce it. This means that it is as much as 13 times higher in cost than traditional nicotine. If this was to be used in the mainstream it would hike the price of your e-liquid exponentially.
Couple this with the fact that even if synthetic nicotine could be produced at a price that would make it commercially viable, regulatory bodies would need to look carefully at this avenue and would probably make a decision on a case by case basis.
This boils down to the question people ask over again. How can vaping realistically be classed as a tobacco product when it categorically does not contain tobacco?
What are your thoughts on synthetic nicotine? Would you pay a higher price for an e-liquid produced this way? Let us know in the comments below.