Nine researchers from Otago University and Auckland University published a public health blog today mentioning that government has been urged to think about restricting sales of nicotine electronic cigarettes to pharmacies.

E-cigarettes are battery-powered and produce a vapor containing nicotine, which is craved by smokers. Their use has surged internationally. Although nicotine inhalation carries health risks, e-cigarettes are far less harmful than the other tobacco counterparts so far.

Safety of e-cigarettes has sparked a debate among many medical experts and companies in favor of its use. An opponent of medical-style controls said restrictions of electronic cigarettes would hinder access to a device that has huge potential to reduce smoking harm.

A survey by the Health Promotion Agency found the proportion of adolescents who had used an e-cigarette had nearly tripled in two years. It was 20% last year.

The increase in the usage of e-cigarettes has strengthened concerns that they might be a gateway for youth to nicotine addiction and smoking.

E-cigarette users can legally import nicotine for personal use. It is illegal to sell nicotine e-cigarettes although some New Zealand retailers flout the ban.

The blog published by health experts suggested a range of possible rules to control potential harms of e-cigarettes, while making them legally available.

They have suggested the devices can be sold in pharmacies and must require a doctor's prescription. Another proposal was to ban vaping indoors at most workplaces.

Christchurch smoking policy researcher Dr. Murray Laugesen doesn't want to prosecute e-cigarette retailers as long as they do not sell to those aged under 18. He wants that the rules should be made to prevent children from accessing the nicotine fluid.