As the e-cigarette (vape) industry is growing rapidly in the US and many countries around the world, Vietnam is also witnessing a rapid increase in the popularity of this product, especially among young people. However, this development is raising big questions: Should Vietnam legalize e-cigarettes? What will the future of this industry be when facing legal, public health and social awareness challenges?
Legalizing E-Cigarettes in the US: A Cautious Step
In the United States, e-cigarettes have been legalized with the goal of reducing the harm caused by traditional cigarettes. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a number of e-cigarette products because they have the potential to help adult smokers switch to less harmful products, thereby reducing or stopping the use of conventional cigarettes.
Figures from the US show that the popularity of vaping is growing significantly:
- In 2024, the size of the e-cigarette market in the US is estimated to reach 34.49 billion USD and is expected to increase to **65.59 billion USD by 2029**.
- Nearly 1 in 20 adults use vapes, and more than 1 in 10 teenagers regularly use the products.
While these numbers demonstrate the industry’s commercial potential, they also come with worrying health concerns. Vapes often contain nicotine – a highly addictive substance – along with chemicals that have been linked to cancer and respiratory problems.
Vape Status in Vietnam: Trend or Big Challenge?
The development of the Vietnamese market
Vietnam, with its young population and rapid urbanization, is becoming a potential market for e-cigarettes. Vapes are observed everywhere, from convenience stores, coffee shops to online groups. Many international brands such as RELX, Juul or dotMod have sought to penetrate the Vietnamese market, while cheap, unknown-origin vape products are also rampant.
However, unlike the US, Vietnam does not have a clear legal framework to manage this market. E-cigarettes are currently in a legal gray area, making it difficult to control product quality and protect consumers.
Health concerns and social awareness
In a society where smoking is already a major public health issue, e-cigarettes present a whole new set of challenges. From a scientific perspective, although vaping may contain fewer harmful substances than traditional smoking, it is not entirely safe. Studies have shown that:
Nicotine in e-cigarettes negatively affects adolescent brain development.
Vapor from e-cigarettes contains microscopic particles, which can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing irritation and long-term damage.
Another concern is the misperceptions young people have about e-cigarettes. Many young people believe that vaping is “safer” or even “harmless”, leading to reckless use. This increases the risk of nicotine dependence early on.
Comparing America and Vietnam: Important Differences
1. Legal framework
In the US, e-cigarette products are strictly monitored by the FDA, ensuring safety standards and transparency in ingredients. Meanwhile, in Vietnam, the e-cigarette market operates almost freely, lacking clear regulations. This creates conditions for poor quality products of unknown origin to flood the market, posing a danger to consumers.
2. Social awareness
Consumers in the US have largely been warned about the health risks associated with e-cigarettes through public education campaigns. In contrast, in Vietnam, vaping is often promoted as a fashion product or stylish accessory, leading many to misunderstand its safety level.
The Future of Vape Industry in Vietnam: Potential and Which Direction is Suitable?
1. Potential market:
With a large number of traditional cigarette smokers, e-cigarettes can become an alternative if properly controlled and managed.
2. Business opportunities:
If legalized, the vape industry in Vietnam could create tens of thousands of jobs and contribute greatly to the budget through excise tax.
Challenges to overcome
1. Public health risks:
Vietnam needs extensive research on the long-term impacts of e-cigarettes to accurately assess their safety and develop appropriate policies.
2. Market control:
Legalization must be accompanied by product quality control measures, such as regulations on ingredients, labeling and safety standards. At the same time, there must be strong mechanisms to prevent the advertising and marketing of vapes to teenagers.
3. Community education:
Awareness campaigns about the health risks associated with vaping are needed, especially given the widespread misconception surrounding the product.
From the US lesson, it can be seen that legalizing e-cigarettes is not simply opening up the market but also requires careful management to protect public health.
In Vietnam, before making a decision on legalization, there needs to be clear scientific research, a comprehensive legal framework and an effective public education strategy. Vape can be a potential solution to reduce the harm of traditional cigarettes, but if not properly managed, it can also become a new health problem.
The development of the vaping industry in Vietnam depends on how we face and solve these challenges. Will this be an opportunity to move closer to a smoke-free society, or just a change in form of an old problem? The answer requires close cooperation between managers, businesses and the community.
