Does smoking cost as much as it makes for the Treasury?

[DemolitionRed]

https://fullfact.org/economy/does-smoking-cost-much-it-makes-treasury/

Is it fair to single out any group whose lifestyle choices may cause health complications?

Perhaps they should drop NHS cover for every tax dodger instead?

[DemolitionRed]

I'm a ex smoker btw but wont pass judgement on people who still choose to smoke.

[Vicky.]

Of course not. A huge part of the (or maybe the only) reason that after sucessfully stopping many people smoking...vapes are now being touted as dangerous and being banned from public places :D

[Vicky.]

I read a piece a while back that said obesity saved the NHS money also over the course of a persons life. Which makes perfect sense really. Short term there may be costs associated with it. But they are more likely to die younger, thus likely to need less 24/7 care for age related illnesses.

Most unhealthy things probably save money tbh.

[Tom4784]

The amount of money the government makes from taxing that industry is likely enough to offset the health costs and still turn a big profit. It's like gun control in America, it'll never happen because there's too much money in the industry. You'll get meaningless laws about not displaying packets and stuff like that but they'll never do anything to prevent the sales of cigarettes.

[user104658]

It's sort of dying out anyway though. When I was at University just 10 years back, a lot of people smoked at least socially. My sister in law is there now and smoked in her teens - but spent the 6 months before she went to Uni quitting smoking because basically no one does it any more / it's considered dirty.

Young people from deprived areas are still more likely to smoke but, basically, smoking just isn't "a thing" for the average young person these days.

[James]

Watching Celebrity Big Brother, it surprises me how many of them do smoke. There's always a large group of them in that smokers' zone.

[Kizzy]

It's usually the twonks.... ( bitter ex twonk)

[arista]

Watching Celebrity Big Brother, it surprises me how many of them do smoke. There's always a large group of them in that smokers' zone.


Yes they Puff Away its normal.
Collen is on LWHD itv
so viewers will watch her get worse as the years go on.

The Female Producer /Director
has Even Put her as the Main Presenter
which she is not suited to
and has to put her glasses on alot.
This is due to other Main Presenters getting seriously Ill.
I would bring a New YOUNG lady to do the presenting.
Although live they spend Hours before
sorting questions out, and testing everything thing

So on LWHD itv
get YOUNGER Women in charge
or keep losing viewers.

also she can walk from
CBB and any next week day go LIVE
on ITVHD. The next day

So for a Chubby Smoker - she is doing well this month

[Vicky.]

It's sort of dying out anyway though. When I was at University just 10 years back, a lot of people smoked at least socially. My sister in law is there now and smoked in her teens - but spent the 6 months before she went to Uni quitting smoking because basically no one does it any more / it's considered dirty.

Young people from deprived areas are still more likely to smoke but, basically, smoking just isn't "a thing" for the average young person these days.

And in its place...cocaine. Its officially more socially accepted to do coke than to smoke. Not too sure this is a good thing but at least those doing coke are only hurting themselves where smoking potentially damages those around the smoker too (ignoring that we all breath in loads of chit from cars and stuff anyway)

[user104658]

Watching Celebrity Big Brother, it surprises me how many of them do smoke. There's always a large group of them in that smokers' zone.

I feel like it is noticable, though, in the last few years, that most of the ones constantly in the smoking area are the older (> 30yo) housemates.

[arista]

"but spent the 6 months before
she went to Uni quitting smoking because basically no one does it any more / it's considered dirty. "

How Nice


Smoking Stinks TC
it is TOXIC

[DemolitionRed]

And in its place...cocaine. Its officially more socially accepted to do coke than to smoke. Not too sure this is a good thing but at least those doing coke are only hurting themselves where smoking potentially damages those around the smoker too (ignoring that we all breath in loads of chit from cars and stuff anyway)

You have to be kidding. Its "crack cocaine" and crack isn't only highly addictive but extremely damaging to both mental and physical health.

Now if you had said 'ganga' I would agree with you except most people who smoke it mix it with tobacco.

[jennyjuniper]

I don't know the costs involved, but I do know that the tax on tobacco has always been vastly higher than that on alcohol. So the Treasury is getting more money from smokers than any other addiction group.
Then again, do smokers live longer than people who drink/take drugs/ eat too much etc.,??

[Niamh.]

You have to be kidding. Its "crack cocaine" and crack isn't only highly addictive but extremely damaging to both mental and physical health.

Now if you had said 'ganga' I would agree with you except most people who smoke it mix it with tobacco.

Crack cocaine and Cocaine (that i assume Vicky is talking about) are two different things

[jennyjuniper]

And in its place...cocaine. Its officially more socially accepted to do coke than to smoke. Not too sure this is a good thing but at least those doing coke are only hurting themselves where smoking potentially damages those around the smoker too (ignoring that we all breath in loads of chit from cars and stuff anyway)

I would have said alcohol was worse than tobacco, if you are looking at potential harm to others. If people smoke out of doors, then the only one they are harming is themselves, whereas alcoholics damage practically everyone around them, especially children.

[jennyjuniper]

It's sort of dying out anyway though. When I was at University just 10 years back, a lot of people smoked at least socially. My sister in law is there now and smoked in her teens - but spent the 6 months before she went to Uni quitting smoking because basically no one does it any more / it's considered dirty.

Young people from deprived areas are still more likely to smoke but, basically, smoking just isn't "a thing" for the average young person these days.

I'm really glad to hear that. I've smoked for over 40 years, but I always tell young people that it's a lot easier never to start than it is to give up.

[Kizzy]

They were £3.40 for 20 when I stopped as I was asked to by the kids plus I just couldn't justify the cost... Look what they are now! How the hell can anyone afford to smoke?! :/

[Vicky.]

They were £3.40 for 20 when I stopped as I was asked to by the kids plus I just couldn't justify the cost... Look what they are now! How the hell can anyone afford to smoke?! :/

I expect most people do what I do...**** buying it from shops, I buy it from the 'backy man'. 50g turner for 7 quid...where its like a fiver for 10g in the shops. Ciggies are between 3 and 5 quid for 20 depending on brand. :smug:

[Vicky.]

You have to be kidding. Its "crack cocaine" and crack isn't only highly addictive but extremely damaging to both mental and physical health.

Now if you had said 'ganga' I would agree with you except most people who smoke it mix it with tobacco.

Nope, coke is the thing for teens round here. And professionals too. My mother works in the NHS and had to do as 'drug awareness' course a few months back where most of the focus was on tobacco...and she actually asked why so much focus was on smoking when use of other drugs is rising. She went on a night out with her friends and they were all doing coke...she went outside for a ciggie and had dirty looks. Its ****ing ridiculous really

Crack is different to cocaine

[user104658]

Crack cocaine and Cocaine (that i assume Vicky is talking about) are two different things

Well they are technically the same substance (crack being cocaine that has been put through a process to "crack" it) but yeah... it changed the chemical structure of the cocaine and turns it into something far more potent and addictive. Crack will mess you up. We all saw what happened to Fill Mitchum :umm2:

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/p0lbne5SerE/hqdefault.jpg

"I don't want tea Billy! I want crack!" <-- actual, and BEST EVER, EastEnders quote.

[DemolitionRed]

Crack cocaine and Cocaine (that i assume Vicky is talking about) are two different things


Powder cocaine can be snorted or injected into a vein but it can't be smoked. (someone may try smoking it but they'd be wasting their money)

Crack cocaine is powder cocaine that has been formed into a rock (usually by adding baking soda) and is then smoked.

Crack cocaine is smoked, powder cocaine isn't is all I’m saying.

[Niamh.]

Powder cocaine can be snorted or injected into a vein but it can't be smoked. (someone may try smoking it but they'd be wasting their money)

Crack cocaine is powder cocaine that has been formed into a rock (usually by adding baking soda) and is then smoked.

Crack cocaine is smoked, powder cocaine isn't is all I’m saying.

Crack cocaine and powder cocaine are sometimes referred to in research and other outlets simply as cocaine, but there is a big difference between the two. While they are both different chemical forms of cocaine, they differ in how they are made, how they are abused, their cost, dangers, effects, and more.
Cocaine and crack cocaine are so different, in fact, that the criminal punishments associated to their use and possession are very different. For example, according to New York University possessing 500 grams of powder cocaine carries the same penalty as possessing 28 grams of crack.

http://cocaine.org/the-difference-between-powder-cocaine-and-crack-cocaine/

[Vicky.]

I would have said alcohol was worse than tobacco, if you are looking at potential harm to others. If people smoke out of doors, then the only one they are harming is themselves, whereas alcoholics damage practically everyone around them, especially children.

I completely agree with this tbh. And there is never focus on alcohol...why? It ruins a hell of a lot of lives and I am sure puts a lot of pressure on A&Es too when idiots drink too much and fight or fall...etc. So much focus on smoking...when there are much worse things that are 'acceptable'

[Vicky.]

Oh, and yes, I meant powder coke. I didn't understand what the debate was about :laugh:

[Niamh.]

I completely agree with this tbh. And there is never focus on alcohol...why? It ruins a hell of a lot of lives and I am sure puts a lot of pressure on A&Es too when idiots drink too much and fight or fall...etc. So much focus on smoking...when there are much worse things that are 'acceptable'

Yeah disagree with smoking, drugs blah blah all you want but don't then pretend that similar dangers don't apply to alcohol

[DemolitionRed]

Crack cocaine and powder cocaine are sometimes referred to in research and other outlets simply as cocaine, but there is a big difference between the two. While they are both different chemical forms of cocaine, they differ in how they are made, how they are abused, their cost, dangers, effects, and more.
Cocaine and crack cocaine are so different, in fact, that the criminal punishments associated to their use and possession are very different. For example, according to New York University possessing 500 grams of powder cocaine carries the same penalty as possessing 28 grams of crack.

http://cocaine.org/the-difference-between-powder-cocaine-and-crack-cocaine/

The thing is, crack comes or is made from cocaine powder so its a little misleading when we are they told are different substances. Anyone can buy powder and mix it to make crack (rock). It is then smoked, usually through a pipe and inhaled. It enters your lungs and your blood stream as a vapor and not a fine powder and that is why it is so highly addictive.

[Niamh.]

The thing is, crack comes or is made from cocaine powder so its a little misleading when we are told are different substances. Anyone can buy powder and mix it to make crack (rock). It is then smoked, usually through a pipe and inhaled. It enters your lungs and your blood stream as a vapor and not a fine powder and that is why it is so highly addictive.

Yeah but the "social" drug Cocaine is not crack and people who use it don't want it to be crack and i seriously doubt people buy it to turn it into crack since crack is cheaper than Powder cocaine anyway

[DemolitionRed]

Yeah but the "social" drug Cocaine is not crack and people who use it don't want it to be crack and i seriously doubt people buy it to turn it into crack since crack is cheaper than Powder cocaine anyway

The only reason I responded to this is because it was initially said that it was coke that was being smoked now instead of baki.

Crack is only cheaper because its been mixed with other substances. If you do the mix yourself it still goes a lot further so still works out cheaper... but no, people generally don't want to take 'crack'. The problem is, when you do snort coke, you are more likely up for a bit of experimentation.

[Niamh.]

The only reason I responded to this is because it was initially said that it was coke that was being smoked now instead of baki.

Crack is only cheaper because its been mixed with other substances. If you do the mix yourself it still goes a lot further so still works out cheaper... but no, people generally don't want to take 'crack'. The problem is, when you do snort coke, you are more likely up for a bit of experimentation.

I don't think Vicky meant that people were smoking Coke instead of tobacco, I think she meant people were doing coke instead of smoking in general

[DemolitionRed]

I don't think Vicky meant that people were smoking Coke instead of tobacco, I think she meant people were doing coke instead of smoking in general

Yes probably.

[Vicky.]

I don't think Vicky meant that people were smoking Coke instead of tobacco, I think she meant people were doing coke instead of smoking in general

Yes, lines of coke.

I only know one person who smokes crack and I don't speak to him now as he is a smackhead and I can't be done with those.