The rise in prices of cigarettes has resulted in a Company selling electronic cigarettes, providing an alternative nicotine hit. The latest development has taken place despite the fact that the government had supposedly restricted such an alternative.

It has been predicted that the latest development would witness a jump in prices to reach $16 from $14.60 for a packet of cheaper cigarettes. The prices would further rise, as the advent of New Year’s would witness a hike in cigarette prices by a massive 10%. Prior, to this price rise, the previous increase in taxes was implemented in May earlier this year, when rates for loose tobacco was increased by 14%.

The government authorities are hoping that people would reduce smoking, as an increase in taxes would help in reducing the pressure on the wallets of people. It is a known fact that people tend to reduce their smoking, if the prices for cigarettes increase. Though, it needs to be remembered that around 20% of the adult population smokes.

Because of the current situation, a lot of public health advocates have asked for the government to provide people with an alternative of smoking, which is less harmful to their health. E-cigarettes are known to cause much less damage when compared to normal cigarettes, and can also provide a person using the device with a vapor of nicotine.

Though, Medsafe has come out strongly against the provision of nicotine cartridges with e-cigarettes as nicotine was a scheduled medicine. The Group Manager for Medsafe, Dr. Stewart Jessamine informed that the Company had broken the Medicines Act and could be prosecuted as the Company was providing nicotine cartridges without advertising.