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9.7% of the adult population are current smokers

There are approximately 215,636 current smokers in Jamaica

15.6% of men are current smokers but only 3.9% of women

Quick links to detailed datasheets for Jamaica
Country profile
Data sourced: 2022.   Page updated: 2023-10-10

Smoking in Jamaica

Current smoking prevalence in the general population in Jamaica has decreased slightly in recent years, but has now plateaued. In 2000 the smoking prevalence was 18%, which decreased to 17% in 2015, and is projected to remain the same, at 17%, by 2025 according to WHO trend data. For men, smoking prevalence has increased from just under 28% in 2000 to just over 28% in 2015, with a further increase to 30% projected by 2025. For women, smoking prevalence has decreased from 9% in 2000 to 6% in 2015, with a further decrease to 4% projected by 2025. The WHO published prevalence trend estimates in tobacco smoking, as shown here, in their 2018 2nd edition report, which show slightly different smoking prevalence to the WHO country profiles. Data for the estimates were obtained from WHO databases. The trend lines are projections, not predictions, of future attainment. A projection indicates a likely endpoint if the country maintains its tobacco control efforts at the same level that it has implemented them to date. Therefore the impact of recent interventions could alter the expected endpoint shown in the projection. While the methods of estimation used in the first and second editions of the WHO report are the same, the volume of data available for the second edition is larger i.e. 200 more national surveys. The results presented are therefore more robust.

2,094

Deaths

2094 people in Jamaica die from tobacco smoking-related diseases each year.

Nicotine Vaping Devices

in Jamaica

Nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are categorised as medicines and are covered by the Food and Drugs Act 1975, which prohibits the sale, distribution, importation or manufacture of a drug that is not registered with the Ministry of Health. As yet, no e-cigarettes have been approved in this manner. Nevertheless, vape stores exist on the island. The Public Health Act – The Public Health (Tobacco Control) (Amendment) Regulations, 2014, regards e-cigarettes as tobacco products and prohibits the use of e-cigarettes on public transport and in public places.

Heated Tobacco Products

in Jamaica

In Jamaica, heated tobacco products are regulated as tobacco products in accordance with the Public Health (Tobacco Control) (Amendment) regulations 2014.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

in Jamaica

In Jamaica you need a prescription to purchase NRT. Advertising of NRT is allowed. You can buy NRT in Pharmacy.

The GSTHR database is updated regularly by our team. However, please be aware that the information we provide does not constitute legal advice. We cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or accurate, as the regulatory status of different product categories can change at short notice and with little publicity. If you wish to check the legal status of use or possession of any safer nicotine product in a specific country or region, you should verify the information independently. If you have reason to think that the information supplied on the GSTHR is inaccurate, please contact us with details and any references and we will rectify any errors.