On this page you will find information on our position on the use of e-cigarettes.

E-cigarettes have been available for purchase for just over a decade in Scotland. They have become increasingly popular. Based on current evidence, vaping e-cigarettes is definitely less harmful than smoking tobacco.

There is still a lot we do not know about e-cigarettes. Although they contain nicotine, which is addictive, vaping carries less risk than smoking tobacco. It would therefore be a good thing if smokers used e-cigarettes instead of tobacco cigarettes, only as a potential route towards stopping smoking. Further research is required to understand the risks of e-cigarettes.

We have created a consensus statement on e-cigarettes in collaboration with over 20 partners.

You can also read our previous position statements on e-cigarettes.