journal article
LitStream Collection
The Compassion Club: A new proposal for transformation of tobacco retail
Starr, Raven; Murray, Kim; Chaiton, Michael
2023 Nicotine and Tobacco Research
doi: 10.1093/ntr/ntac295pmid: 36591922
Abstract Introduction One major assumption in the current tobacco industry is the distribution of tobacco products through a system of commercial for-profit retail. However, other models of distribution that do not rely on this mechanism exist. Methods In this review, we examine the potential of a non-profit Compassion Club model and discuss how the current existence of independent vape stores might provide the infrastructure to allow the transformation of the tobacco distribution. Results Compassion Clubs exist internationally with different levels of regulation and legality and have generally been focused on the distribution of illegal drugs or hard to access pharmaceuticals. They provide access to drugs for existing users, limit access by novices, limit negative impacts from illicit markets and provide social support focused on reducing harms associated with drug use. Conclusions With decreasing prevalence of tobacco use in many countries and growing interest in a tobacco endgame, a Compassion Club model of distribution could help transition tobacco away from the model of commercial widely available distribution. More work is needed to develop the regulations and policies that might guide a compassion club model. Implications Compassion clubs are a model for the distribution of psychoactive substances that are focused on harm reduction and social support rather than profit. There has been little discussion about the possibility that this promising model could be applied to help transform the tobacco industry. Many independent vape stores already demonstrate aspects of the compassion club model that could be used to support a transition. Accepted manuscripts Accepted manuscripts are PDF versions of the author’s final manuscript, as accepted for publication by the journal but prior to copyediting or typesetting. They can be cited using the author(s), article title, journal title, year of online publication, and DOI. They will be replaced by the final typeset articles, which may therefore contain changes. The DOI will remain the same throughout. PDF This content is only available as a PDF. © The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com. This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/pages/standard-publication-reuse-rights)