Smoking prevalence, vaping laws, snus in Georgia

There has been a downwards year by year trend in current smoking prevalence in the general population in Georgia. In 2000 the prevalence in the general population was 32%; this decreased to 28% in 2015 and is projected to reduce to around 26% by 2025. Nearly all of the decrease has been driven by men's smoking, which decreased from 62% in 2000 to 55% in 2015, and is projected to reduce further to around 50% by 2025. Women's current smoking dropped from 6% in 2000 to 5% in 2015, and is not projected to decrease much more 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 are not age standardised, and 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.

Nicotine-containing e-cigarettes and other devices are classified and regulated as tobacco products under the Law of Georgia on Tobacco Control 2017. Sale of e-cigarettes to minors under 18 years is prohibited, as is sale at locations where children are likely to be e.g. schools or toy stores. Vending machine sales are also prohibited, and retail sale over the internet is restricted. Packaging must display a health warning message. Promotion of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes is prohibited. It is prohibited to vape in public places and on public transport.

There are no comments specific to snus in Georgia in the database.

Use of heated tobacco products in public places and on public transport is prohibited in Georgia. Advertising and promotion of heated tobacco products is also prohibited in accordance with the Law of Georgia on Tobacco Control.

There are no comments specific to nicotine replacement therapy in Georgia in the database.