"I don't want to be a smoker again. Why do you want me to?"
This is the question posed by users, committed 1TP8 users and entrepreneurs in a film aimed at politicians in the Social Affairs Committee ahead of the decision on the taste ban.
Behind the movie is Linus "Koyuki" Gustafsson, former smoker and now e-juice manufacturer and vejpshop owner. The film is intended to strike a chord with politicians, who have the opportunity to influence the decision on taste bans. But also to give a picture of what the vejping Sweden looks like.
"I asked everyone who had the opportunity to record a short movie. I asked them to tell me about why e-cigarettes work for them and what flavors they use to stay smoke-free" says Linus Gustafsson to Vejpkollen.
"Peach, kiwi, strawberry, apple pie"
Linus Gustafsson compiled a collage of stories from the Swedish vejp community from the movie clips. The result was a short film about why different flavors are important when smokers become vejpers.
"For me, it was a taste of peach that did the trick. By then I had tried quitting 20 times with other methods. It was the fruit-flavored e-cigs that worked. I hear the same story from most people who vejpar and are smoke-free today. It's all about kiwi, strawberry, apple pie, banana, milkshake" says Linus Gustafsson
Government only wants tobacco flavor
The movie now becomes a part of a campaign to counter the Social Democrats' proposed taste ban. The ban is part of the government's bill "Tighter rules for new nicotine products". The new law proposes, among other things, a new regulatory framework for nicotine pouches, products that were previously unregulated. However, in the same bill, the government also proposes to all flavors that "do not give a distinct taste and smell of tobacco" will be banned in e-cigarettes and e-liquids.
"85 percent of all Swedes who use e-cigarettes choose flavors other than tobacco" says Linus Gustafsson. "A lot of people want to get away from the taste of tobacco, they don't want to be reminded of smoking all the time. The government's proposal is a slap in the face for them"
Discussion in the Social Affairs Committee
The film is now on YouTube and is starting to spread on social media. Parliament will vote on the taste ban on June 21. Before that, the bill will be prepared in Social Affairs Committee until May 31.
Watch the video here:
