13323 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Associate Minister of Health

13323 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Associate Minister of Health: Has the minister considered raising the prospect of legalising chewing tobacco and snus (powdered tobacco)?

Hon Casey Costello: I have given consideration to what measures might support smoking cessation in New Zealand, including what additional products might provide more options to people struggling to quit cigarettes. I have not considered legalising chewing tobacco, as it is associated with mouth cancers. I do consider that if there are products with a similar risk profile to vaping, i.e., significantly less harmful than smoked tobacco, then they should be available as options for people who smoke. However, they would need to meet relevant safety requirements and regulatory controls to prevent youth access.