Reversal of smoking ban criticised as ‘shameful’ for lacking evidence

New Zealand is repealing the world’s first smoking ban passed under former prime minister Jacinda Arden’s government to pave the way for a smoke-free generation amid backlash from researchers and campaigners over its risk to Indigenous people.

The new coalition government led by prime minister Christopher Luxon confirmed the repeal will happen on Tuesday, delivering on one of the actions of his coalition’s ambitious 100-day plan.

The government repeal will be put before parliament as a matter of urgency, enabling it to scrap the law without seeking public comment, in line with previously announced plans.

  • FfaerieOxide
    link
    fedilink
    14 months ago

    What about the fact that Nicotine improves concentration, constricts blood vessels, medicates a host of psychological disorders such as schizophrenia, eases the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and feels good?

    • @Varyk
      link
      English
      74 months ago

      Seems like you’re incorrectly equating some conditionally positive effects of nicotine with cigarettes, which are wildly different substances.

      • FfaerieOxide
        link
        fedilink
        34 months ago

        Seems like you’re incorrectly equating some conditionally positive effects of nicotine with cigarettes, which are wildly different substances.

        Smoking Specifically has been linked to amelioration of the effects of and protection against ulcerative colitis.

        Smoking also possess quala not present in i.e. vaped glycerin suspensions or snus.

        While I actually agree nicotine alternatives should be encouraged over smoking, I don’t think burning a plant and inhaling the smoke should be a crime. Someone might have a reason to want to do it and that’s not your damn business.

        • @Varyk
          link
          English
          24 months ago

          More false equivocation.

          I don’t see anyone arguing against conditionally positive effects of nicotine or inhaling plant smoke.

          This complaint is specifically about cigarettes.

          People have lots of reasons for lots of things, and sometimes those reasons, like deriving profit from purchasing scientific studies and marketing demonstrably carcinogenic indulgences, affect others.

          • FfaerieOxide
            link
            fedilink
            34 months ago

            like deriving profit from purchasing scientific studies and marketing demonstrably carcinogenic indulgences

            If a company engaged in untoward practice, punish that company for that practice. Don’t punish unrelated smokers by illegalizing their activities.

            Alot of stuff, also, causes cancer. We gonna ban maillard reactions and The Sun now?

            • @Varyk
              link
              English
              1
              edit-2
              4 months ago

              Can you cite the comparable artificial carcinogenic additives to the maillard reaction and the Sun that makes the maillard reaction and the Sun cancer-causing, and how the maillard reaction and the Sun have been marketed by their respective industries to addict several generations to their harmful products?

              Or are you making further false equivocations?

              • FfaerieOxide
                link
                fedilink
                14 months ago

                Can you cite the comparable artificial carcinogenic additives to the maillard reaction and the Sun that makes the maillard reaction and the Sun cancer-causing, and how the maillard reaction and the Sun have been marketed by their respective industries to addict several generations to their harmful products?

                Whoa now, are you arguing for additive free cigarettes or illegalizing tobacco? Keep up.

                And The Sun is absolutely addictive. Block it out and see the shakes society experiences.

                • @Varyk
                  link
                  English
                  14 months ago

                  Neither, you’re confusing your insincerity with superiority.

                  The sun is necessary, not addictive.

                  • FfaerieOxide
                    link
                    fedilink
                    14 months ago

                    The sun is necessary, not addictive.

                    Oh, I’m sure you “could quit any time” you want.

    • HopeOfTheGunblade
      link
      fedilink
      34 months ago

      Did you know that you can vape nicotine as well as getting it in gum and patches? Don’t get me wrong, seeing the headline triggered an itch in the fingers to roll one and a craving in the lungs to breathe the smoke, but it’s a godawful habit to have.

      • FfaerieOxide
        link
        fedilink
        24 months ago

        Did you know that you can vape nicotine as well

        I think both should be legal and vaping should be encouraged (over smoking).