Alternative Tobacco Products Only for Adult Smokers, Not Non-Smokers

Illustration. (Photo: Dok. Antara)

JAKARTA - Alternative tobacco products such as vape or electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches have been widely used in recent years, as adult smokers become increasingly aware of switching from smoking habits. To prevent abuse, various parties encourage a broad understanding that these products are not intended for non-smokers or those who are not yet 21 years old.

Influencer and consumer of alternative tobacco products, Jessica Rima Rahmayanti or known as @jee_vanka, assessed the perception of alternative tobacco products needs to be placed proportionally. According to him, the product is not intended for those who have not smoked before, let alone by minors.

"If alternative tobacco products are specifically associated with young people, this is not right. What is clear is that I have no tolerance for the use of alternative tobacco products by minors," said Jessica, Friday, June 26.

Vape Education with Attitude and Commitment to Age Limit 21+

Jessica said that she regularly conveyed the message of using this product responsibly through various channels and activities, both online and offline. This education includes understanding the product, the purpose of use, ethics, and how to use it.

"Usually we call it 'Vape with Attitude'. This kind of education is routinely carried out through content, talkshow, and community activities. Because vape is a relatively new innovation product, education is very important," he explained.

Not infrequently, there are people who are interested in using alternative tobacco products and consult with him. Jessica admitted that she always asked the person's background. If someone has never smoked before, he advises not to try alternative tobacco products.

"I explain simply that this product is not for people who have not previously smoked," he added.

According to Jessica, responsible communication must also ensure that the message conveyed does not attract the attention of teenagers. Therefore, he applies a restriction on the audience of the activities he does only to the adult age group and focuses on creating relevant educational content.

"We are trying to ensure that education about alternative tobacco products remains appropriate and wise, for example by setting the target audience of 21 years and older and not making appeals that are aimed at those who are not consumers," he explained.

The Importance of Choices for Adult Smokers

Jessica explained that the existence of alternative tobacco products is one option for adult smokers who want to switch from smoking habits. He likened the choice to someone who gradually reduces sugar consumption by choosing a drink with lower sugar levels.

"In the end, it all comes back to consumer choice. The most important thing is that there is an option for adult smokers to choose the option that is lower in risk and most suitable for them," he said.

According to Jessica, many consumer experiences feel helped after switching from smoking habits, although these stories are not always in the public spotlight. However, he emphasized that the existence of alternative tobacco products should not be understood as an invitation to start using tobacco products.

"This product is not something to try. Alternative tobacco products are intended as an option for adult smokers who really want to switch from the habit of smoking," he said.

Consumer Experience After Switching from Smoking Habits

Meanwhile, Aji, a consumer of alternative tobacco products, admitted that he started using the product in 2016 after being a heavy smoker for years.

"After using vape, I felt my chest was lighter. This change made me switch completely from the habit of smoking in 2018. Vape is more comfortable in daily activities, there is no more cigarette smoke smell sticking to the room or clothes," katana.

Aji assessed that alternative tobacco products should be understood as an option for adult smokers, not as a product that can be tried without consideration. He also hopes that public education regarding the use of this product can continue to be strengthened so as not to cause misunderstanding in the community.