However, there can be unintended consequences of this tax discrepancy. One is the potential for encouraging youth to switch from cigarettes to vapes, which may still pose health risks, particularly with nicotine addiction. Another consequence is the rise of unregulated or black-market vape products, which could be more harmful than taxed, regulated products. Additionally, if vape taxes increase, there’s a risk that adult smokers trying to quit may be disincentivized to switch to vaping, potentially leading to continued cigarette use. Balancing public health objectives with the tax structure is a challenge for policymakers.