Smoking and nicotine are bad for your health -- that's a fact. So why would an American company create a lemon-flavoured drink laced with nicotine? This 8 oz soda contains the same amount of nicotine as two cigarettes. The company is marketing this drink to smokers who find themselves in places where smoking is prohibited. But nicotine is a highly addictive drug. Those who oppose this product claim that it is the equivalent to putting a drug in a soda can. Meanwhile, supporters say that the lack of second-hand smoke from these drinks will make nicotine use safer for others. Moreover, because the drink is legally classified as a dietary substance rather than as a drug or cigarette, it is not currently subject to the rules that regulate the sale of drugs and cigarettes. The introduction of this product appears to be serving consumer want.
Read the following articles to further your knowledge:
Read the following articles to further your knowledge:
- Canadians may soon be able to drink their nicotine : http://www.canada.com/topics/bodyandhealth/story.html?id=e7d26bae-b5cf-4fac-99de-a9a2940a5c30&k=15452%20
- FDA Urged to Stop Marketing of “Nic Lite” Bottled Water Containing Nicotine http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/press_releases/post/id_0928
- New Nicotine Drink Takes Off At Los Angeles International Airport http://www.bevnet.com/news/2006/06-22-2006-NicLite.asp
- Nicotine Drink Touts Alternative to Smoking: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Health/story?id=2114263&page=1
So... what do you think?
What are the ethical questions that this product raises? Should it be legal to sell this drink in a corner store? Why, or Why not? Explain your position using information you have learned from the course so far as well as your own person opinions.
This drink should be legal in my view. It can be beneficial to smoker if kept out of the hands of non-smokers. It could do a lot of good because second hand smoke would be eliminated and if you're smoker and you dont want to quit but your in a airport it won't make a difference. But if you were a child and you went to the fridge for a drink and drank it then it could be harmful to you if you weren't a smoker already.
ReplyDeleteIts a very good idea for Arabic and Eastern countries that smoke heavily. Also it is possible that it could cut down on smoking in the world. I think it should be legal if only smokers got it.
The ethical questions are for me.
1. Is it right to even begin to make the food and beverage industry cater to smokers to?
2. If some one gets addicted to it what would you do.
3. Would children get it and be addicted?
4. What would the effect be on your body. Regular smoking makes your lungs black and can also make you lose hair. What about this?
You bring up some valid points Grant such as the elimination of second hand smoke. I especially like question #1 as this seems like it would be opening a "can of worms". I appreciate your question #3 and if you feel that it should be legal, my question to you though would be what kind of regulations could we put in place to ensure that only adults had access to it and not children?
DeleteYou could fix that problem easily. Like current cigarettes and prescribed drugs you would get it over the counter. Depending if it was harmful or not you could either buy it without permissions or with a slip. If a adult bought it for a kid I'm not quite sure what you could do other than put a fine/charge if one was seen doing it.
DeleteI think that it should be illegal to sell a nicotine beverage in a corner store. This good would be easily accessible, especially to minors. Would children become addicted to the drink? When underage kids drink the beverage they could get highly addicted to the nicotine. Once they get addicted they will consume more and more of the product and could become long-term consumers of the nicotine beverage as well as cigarettes.
ReplyDeleteI believe this business is taking advantage of consumers. What is the company's motivation for producing this drink? The more people that get addicted to nicotine, the more revenue they generate. There is a demand for products that help smokers quit. Nicotine gum and the patch help consumers quit smoking while this soda just gets people through a situation where smoking is prohibited. They are targeting people already addicted and likely to purchase this product. In addition, people that are not addicted may still purchase this item thinking that it is not as bad for them as cigarettes. The nicotine content in the drink, however, is equivalent to two cigarettes.
If this product was to be sold legally in corner stores, there should be an age limit of eighteen years, similar to regulations for buying cigarettes.
Great points Trevor. If this were to become legal, many regulations would need to be put in place. I alos appreciate your question regarding the company's motivation for creatign the product. They seem to be framing it in the context of assisting those that are addicted yet are they really helping those people are are they simply looking to "make a buck"? I can't help but wonder if the age regulations would be as tough on the drink as they are on the cigarettes. You make some insightful points here.
DeleteI personally think that this product should not be produced, let alone sold in a public, very accesible venue. The company creating the lemon flavoured soda does not have, in the slightest, enough reasoning for this drug laced products existance. This company seems to believe that their beverage will end a smokers frustration when in a smoke free zone. However, for those that are bothered and do smoke, are there not other safer options? I know for a fact that there are other products inlcuding assorted gums, inhalers and other things that have been proven effective to handle a smoker's craving for nicotine. Apart from the fact that I strongly disagree with the existence of this overally laced beverage, how does this American company plan on only allowing people of age to access this drink, or have they decided to let the public of any age purchase this lemon flavoured drug?
ReplyDeleteI do not think it is appropriate to sell this beverage in a convinience store, nor any public venue. Firstly because it is an 8oz soda containing more nicotine than two completed cigerettes and secondly because the company has not made any statements confirming its age accessiblity. This leads me to believe that, at least at this current point in time, there are none. In Canada, by law, cannot smoke a cigerette before the age of 16 and may not purchase them before the age 19. This is enforced because cigerettes contain sionide, and the addictive drug nicotine. This is the same drug that this American company intends to add to their lemon flavoured soda. However the product has been catogorized as a "dietary substance", in which I strongly disagree.
Overall, I do not agree with this American companie's ideologly, nor do I agree with their products current accessbilty. I do think, that if this product is mass produced, it will generate a large profit. Many cigerette companies target youth when advertising their product, and I find it very likely that this American company will incorrectly do the same. However, as much as find this product inappropraite and ridiculous it is, appareantly, a consumer want. Therefore, it would unfortunately be difficult to cancel the products production and distribution.
Alex - you make some very valid points here. I am wondering why the various items you make mention of (inhalers, gum, etc) which are already accessible to the public are not enough and why these companies feel that a drink is needed. On the other hand, I agree with your final point hat although we see it as being unnessacary, if there is a demand for the product, the company can justify producing it. I also agree that there should be regulations put in place on accessibility and so I ask you this - what kinds of regulations could they enforce to ensure that only people over the age of 19 are able to buy this product? Should they approach it as if it were a pack of cigarettes? What happens if a minor buys the drink - what kind of penalties would the clerk face? Just a thought...
DeleteI disagree on several points actually. You refer to its classification as a dietary substance. One of the known effects of nicotine is that it makes you lose weight, so it is a dietary substance. Also the gum and inhalers you mentioned are sold in convenience stores already. For the problem of accessibility you could sell it as a nicotine product which in some countries/provinces/states, are illegal to buy untill a certain age too.
DeleteI agree that the manufacturer hasn't prudently prevented sales to minors and non-smokers. There are good things and bad things with this product. Its good because smokers can stop or try to stop with this product. If the person smoked say 3 cigarettes a day and then replaced them with this drink, a decrease in nicotine consumption would help stop smoking. Also "Over the past decade, new research has taught us more about how nicotine affects the brain and the body. Some of it is good news -- for example, a lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease in smokers". Possibly the product could also work another way. Say you got someone that never smoked or smokes very little, It could bring about more smoking.
Though nicotine creates a bad reputation for smokers, the drinking of it would not harm your lungs. Also I'm not positive but I believe cyanid is created through smoking not drinking.
((quote from Discovery Health @ http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/drugs-alcohol/nicotine-health-benefits.htm ))
I think this drink is not good to sell, because everyone can get this drink. Nikotine is drug and it's addictive. The drink isn't there for the health ( used as medicine ) , it's there for the people, who need's nikotine ( are addicted ). Thats no reason for selling the drink in public. It would be okay, to get this drink from a doctor for example for an upcoming flight. The drink is an unapproved drink. I think there are more reasons to stop the production and stop selling it, then
ReplyDeletetry something new out, which isn't that important.
questions:
1. Is the drink really addicted or fit's it only with tabac ?
2. Can get children this drink on every corner or is that illegal for kids ?
3. Many years now people fly's without cigarettes , is it that important to need tabac in situations like that ?
4.Make's it really addictive ?
Christopher, suggesting that a doctor's note be a requirement for purchasing this product is an interesting idea. Perhaps if the company made it more difficult to buy this drink it would be percieved as being more ethical.
DeleteI think this product should be legal, due to the fact that it is a product that quite effectively addresses a want by the smoker population. It should be clearly marked on the container how ever that there is nicotine in the beverage. Then if a consumer take the product they are aware of the potential consequences. Also this is healthier for everyone than smoking an actual cigaret for the smoker there is no tar, ammonia, carbon monoxide etc. This reduces many potential health risks like lung cancer. Also they are only harming themselves when they drink it because there is no second hand smoke.
ReplyDeleteI do however believe certain limitations should be put into place. I think that it should be qualified as a drug so higher taxes, like tobacco, are applicable and it is unavailable to minors. Due to the heavily addictive qualities of nicotine raised by some nero-biologist unless it is solidly proved that it is no worse then caffeine. Also it should be clearly marked on the label that there is nicotine on the product .
Ethical questions
Should producers be allowed to put addictive substances in a beverage?
If there is nicotine in the beverage is it a drug?
Asheesh, you make some valid points here. Making sure it is clearly marked is a great idea as well as suggesting the taxes should be applied to the product as if it was a drug. I wonder if they sold the drink behind the counter as they do with cigarettes if it would be more difficult for minors to get their hands on it. Perhaps another limitiation which could be considered.
DeleteI really do not think this beverage should be legal and accessible to minors. As it is said in the article, nicotine is bad for your health. Also, nicotine is highly addictive; being addicted to something bad for your health is not good and could lead to you dying! I have to admit though that is it a very smart, however sly business idea.
ReplyDeletePeople, maybe especially minors are easily addicted to nicotine, therefore there's a strong possibility of them becoming addicted to the beverage. It's obviously more accessible than cigarettes, and you're able to consume it anywhere, whereas there are restrictions to where you can smoke. Becoming addicted to this beverage will ensure the consumers keep buying it, making an amazing profit for the company producing this beverage. It is easier to access, accessible to minors therefore broadening the consumer range, and it probably tastes good and does not look as bad as smoking.
Morally, this is a horrible idea and it should be illegal for minors. Health-wise, it's also quite bad for the consumer, but there's no second-hand-smoke so that's a TINY bonus. Business-wise, this is a GREAT idea, and they'll make a lot of money off of it. I do not agree with it being legal, but it is a very smart business idea.
Vandana, I believe that you are correct when you say that by being able to drink this product anywhere as opposed to having to go to designated smoking areas make this product much more accessible. I also think that the point you make regarding the companies hoping the consumer does in fact get addicted to the drink is quite insightful. This is where, in my opinion, the ethical discussion really begins.
DeleteThey are many ethical questions that are raised in this matter. Some are as follows. Selling a drug as a drink where the drug is not properly kept under the same rules as cigarettes and other drugs. Also the product is very addictive which makes it more beneficial the supplier rather than the consumer.
ReplyDeleteI do not think that it should be legal to sell this product in a corner store because the product makes the consumer addicted due to the nicotine. The product, like any other drug, changes the consumer’s behavior in a bad way. This could bother people who don’t have a lot of money, more importantly. If someone with not very much money becomes addicted to the product, he or she might lose their money and suffer from the symptoms of not taking the drug.
In my opinion, I can see the business point of view because the product and that it makes consumers addicted to the drug, lets the company get a higher revenue and higher profit, meaning that the company will gain a lot of money. Despite the advantages for the company, I still don’t believe they should continue to give this product to the public.
Christopher, I agree that this product is benefiting the producer more than the consumer which, in my opinion, unfortunately is more common than we would like to admit. I also agree that this product could create financial strain on those people who may not be able to afford it but I also see these people as adults who are ultimatley responsible for their decisions so where do we lay the blame; on the producers or the consumers who choose to purchase it? Just a thought I had while reading your post - it brought up some valid points.
DeleteThe product "Nic Lite" brings a few ethical issues to light. The most important question is, "Should a product containing a well known toxin be allowed to be sold to people?" The Food and Drug Association in Canada has not approved this product to be sold. The FDA considers Nic Lite to be an unapproved drug. It is currently being sold as an aid for smokers and a dietary product. The FDA carefully tests all products and I do not think this product should be allowed until the FDA has fully tested and approved it. Nicotine is known to cause seizures, high blood pressure, heart attacks etc. I think the government needs to protect people more from companies that sell products that harm people. I do not think we should introduce more products containing nicotine.
ReplyDeleteThe second ethical issue is, “If this product is approved, should it have a legal classification as a drug to protect children?” If this product is to help smokers, it should carry the same legal age limit to purchase or consume. It should be classified as a drug so it is not available to children.
I believe this product should be available at a corner store. We currently allow alcohol and cigarettes to be sold in local stores. However, as mentioned above, I believe it should carry a classification that makes it illegal to purchase unless you are of legal age. It is the choice of an adult to smoke, and if they wish to have the drink instead of smoke around people, it certainly benefits others from second hand smoke. The drink should be stored, labeled, and sold with the cigarettes so children and parents know it is not for children. This product is also being advertised as a dietary aid. I believe this would be too expensive for most people to want to buy as a diet drink. You can buy a case of diet pop and the average price of a can would be .25cents. If Nic Lite was selling for $2 - $3, most people would only buy it occasionally.
I think that this Nicotine Drink should be allowed on the market. At this time there is nothing illegal with the sale of the beverage and no regulations banning it.
ReplyDeleteHowever I think that this product should have some restrictions on who it is sold to. Given that it contains nicotine, which is highly addictive, and since this drink contains the same amount of nicotine as two cigarettes it's sale should be controlled. Specifically, I think that youth (persons under 16), should not be allowed to purchase and consume these drinks. I also think that these drinks should have warnings on them saying, "contains a high amount of nicotine". I think that there should also be a warning saying it can be harmful because of the nicotine. If the adult buyer still wants to purchase and consume this drink after seeing all these warnings they should be allowed to purchase it. I see this drink as being no different than the sale of cigarettes and alcohol. We can't restrict peoples freedom in having a choice. We can make them aware of the danger of their consumption, but we really shouldn't try to control or 'babysit' them. If the product is clearly marked with warnings, and restricted only to the of adults, and they still choose to buy and consume it they are putting themselves at risk and know it.
Finally, although this is very harmful new product that is being released to the population. There is a good argument for the fact that it may help smokers fill their craving for nicotine, minimizing their need to smoke and eliminating second hand smoke. For developers of this product, I can see this becoming very popular and profitable, as there would be high demand for nicotine especially for smokers. But, again the sales should be controlled.
Cole, you make a great point when you discuss the fact that adults should be mature enough to make their own decisions and if they would like to purchase the drink then they should be permitted to do so. I also appreciate your emphasis on ensuring that the packaging is clearly marked with appropriate warnings. Whe you use words such as "controlled" I do wonder how we could make sure that the product was only getting into the hands of adults and not allow it to accessible to minors.
DeleteSome ethical questions of the product are:
ReplyDelete1. Is it truly safe for non-nicotine users?
2. Is it too easy for underage people to buy the product?
3. Should the government be allowed to shut the company down?
4. Is it fair for the company to sell their product with knowing the harm they could be putting on their customers?
5. Is it wrong to be sold on a corner market, should it just be sold in pharmacies?
I think that the drink should be legal to adults over 18 and that government should be very strict with the underage law to selling to a minor. If people are selling it to minors, then the drink should be discontinued. I think that Nicotine is bad no matter how it is being used or what it is being put in. Either way, people are ingesting an addictive substance, which isn’t always a good thing. In my opinion, the drink is okay in a way to relax people who are already addicted, but then the people who aren’t addicted can become addicted to it if they try it. I think when they sell it, they should have to keep a strict law towards underage buying. The Good Morning America Article proved that there are too many underage kids buying this substance, which are getting them addicted to things at a young age. People who are underage sometimes have no idea what is happening, but because other people do it they think they should. It’s also a bad idea to make it into a beverage because people could think it is just a normal drink, when actually they are getting addicted to nicotine.
Companies have to listen what the consumers want to make a profit. One of the highlights to the nicotine drink is that it is a cleaner and safer way for the community, such as there won’t be cigarettes all over the ground. Also, none of the smoke from it will go into our air. People should have the choice to buy this drink, but only if they are over 18.
Abby, I agree that peer pressure can really be an issue here. A younger person sees their friends trying the drink and feel that they should try it too. On the other hand, I guess this could be said about drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, etc. although, in my opinion, those may not be as accessible as the drink. I also agree that because it is in drink form perhaps people may not see it as being as bad for you as a cigarette and may not give it as much thought before trying it. You make some great points here Abby and well done on referencing the article.
DeletePART 2
ReplyDeleteThe product "Nic Lite" brings a few ethical issues to light. The most important question is, "Should a product containing a well known toxin be allowed to be sold to people?" The Food and Drug Association in Canada has not approved this product to be sold. The FDA considers Nic Lite to be an unapproved drug. It is currently being sold as an aid for smokers and a dietary product. The FDA carefully tests all products and I do not think this product should be allowed until the FDA has fully tested and approved it. Nicotine is known to cause seizures, high blood pressure, heart attacks etc. I think the government needs to protect people more from companies that sell products that harm people. I do not think we should introduce more products containing nicotine.
The second ethical issue is, “If this product is approved, should it have a legal classification as a drug to protect children?” If this product is to help smokers, it should carry the same legal age limit to purchase or consume. It should be classified as a drug so it is not available to children.
The third ethical issue is, “Should this product be allowed to be advertised?” Like cigarettes, I do not think that products that are dangerous or addictive should be allowed to be advertised on T.V. or in magazines. These types of advertisements reach children or people who may not normally buy this product. If this product is in a store beside the cigarettes, then smokers will be able to find it.
The last ethical issue is, “Should producers have to label Nic Lite advising of the dangers of nicotine?” Cigarette packages much show the contents and dangers of cigarettes so people understand the health issues involved.
I believe this product should be available at a corner store. We currently allow alcohol and cigarettes to be sold in local stores. However, as mentioned above, I believe it should carry a classification that makes it illegal to purchase unless you are of legal age. It is the choice of an adult to smoke, and if they wish to have the drink instead of smoke around people, it certainly benefits others from second hand smoke. The drink should be stored, labeled, and sold with the cigarettes so children and parents know it is not for children. This product is also being advertised as a dietary aid. I believe this would be too expensive for most people to want to buy as a diet drink. You can buy a case of diet pop and the average price of a can would be .25cents. If Nic Lite was selling for $2 - $3, most people would only buy it occasionally.
Joel, I completely agree with your stance on whether or not to classify this as a drug. In my opinion, it is a drug and should be classified as one. I also see your point regarding the advertising; people of all ages are heavily impacted by the advertisements we see on TV, read in newspapers or see on the web and by advertising this product via these avenues, producers would be impacting a large population of young people. Overall, very valid and well thought out points Joel.
Delete(This is my second time posting, I'm not sure if my first post went through!)
ReplyDeleteThe first ethical dilemma that comes to light with the introduction of this product on the market is the exploitation of unwary consumers. To be sold in Canada, Nic Lite would be classified as a natural health product. Jess Baker, the vice president of sales for the company that makes this product, markets it as "a safe product that has the potential to help millions". He claims that the American drink can increase blood flow, open the capillaries and generally make a person feel better. How can a product that allows one to feel so amazing have nicotine? Nic Lite contains lemon flavored water and nicotine. Nicotine is undoubtably addictive, and the 8oz drink has the same amount of nicotine that 2 cigarettes have. Dr. Daniel McGehee, a neurobiologist at the University of Chicago, says that " The addiction liability should be a major concern for anyone who starts taking it any form." The website for the company who makes Nic Lite curbs disruptive smoker behavior, and it is the other ingredients in cigarettes that are harmful, but nicotine is so addictive that the withdrawal symptoms are similar to the ones for cocaine. Nic Lite is an unproved new drug in a can, not a dietary supplement, yet consumers are still being mislead Nic Time regarding this product.
The second ethical dilemma presented by this new American drink is addiction, especially in underage children. Nic Lite was invented by a company (Nic Time) in order to be produced and sold on the market. From my knowledge of business, I know that the main goal of the company is to earn a profit. The producers of Nic Lite do not sit at home and worry about the fact that their product is easily accessible to underage children, as it can be sold at any regular corner store compared to an over the counter drug at a pharmacy. Having the addictive drink easily available for everyone creates a larger market, and more chances of selling the product. If the consumers get addicted to Nic Lite, especially underage children, it is even better for the company because there is a guarantee that people will continue buying the drink and therefore create a steady income.
The above ethical dilemmas are why I believe that Nic Lite should not be sold in corner stores, as well as be illegal to be sold anywhere. This is because the danger posed by this American drink is very large, and the good things about this product are outweighed by the bad ones. The patch and the gum used to pacify nicotine addicts in non-smoking areas have all the advantages that Nic Lite has, as well as much less and not as dangerous disadvantages. In conclusion, Nic Lite should not be allowed to be put on the market as the products deals with substance addiction, exploitation of consumers and has more disadvantages to the community then bad ones.
What are the ethical questions that this product raises? Should it be legal to sell this drink in a corner store? Why, or Why not? Explain your position using information you have learned from the course so far as well as your own person opinions.
ReplyDeleteThe first ethical question that should be considered is, “Can you become addicted to this nicotine drink?” Not enough research has been done to prove that this product isn’t potentially addictive. I don’t agree with the idea of a quick fixed to ward off cravings. It seems to me that it may even encourage you to try smoking if you enjoy the drink. In fact, we don’t even know what excessive drinking of this product could do to your body.
Another ethical question should be asked is, “How is this beverage considered a dietary health drink, when is contains more nicotine in one drink, than two cigarettes?” This is not only a dangerous level of nicotine but also could end up in the hands of minors, with no monitoring process in place. Nicotine is known to be a drug that causes cancer, among other illnesses, and I don’t understand how it could be considered healthy in anyway even though in the article, “Nicotine Drink Touts Alternative to Smoking”, the company, Nic Lite tries to portray the drink as harmless because no smoke is inhaled.
My final ethical question is, “Should this drink be allowed to be advertised as a nicotine fix when nicotine is a drug and this product is not FDA approved?” It is unapproved by the FDA therefore, I don’t understand how it can be legally sold when its main goal is to give you a harmful drug and encourage to still keep smoking.
In my personal opinion I feel it should not be legal to sell this product in convenience stores. Currently, there are several options to assist in helping with a nicotine addiction such as inhalers, chewing gum and the nicotine patch. I don’t agree with a product that actually encourages smokers to continue smoking. It seems unnecessary to sell it in such an accessible place. Monitoring this product in the corner store would be very difficult and the possibility of minors potentially using this product is likely to happen. It is difficult to keep prescription drugs out of the hands of minors, so why would we make it even easier for inquisitive children by making this drink so readily available in convenience stores. There have been no studies to determine the impact this product would have on non smokers and could possibly create a new generation of smokers in the future.
POSTED FOR LAREINA LIU
ReplyDeleteI could not open the website which is about the nicotine and beverages. So below is my view and example of ethical dilemma.
I think the ethical dilemma may be a difficult question for a company to solve. I have searched from the website. For the ethical dilemma, everyperson has their own idea. Just like a coin has two sides.
I have searched from the website and there is a example about the medicine for feticide. There is a company invent a kind of feticide medicine. but some people think fetus also have life. People can not kill them, it is as same as kill a person. And this kind of people called pro-life. But some people think: people have the right to choose they want a baby or not. And this is called the pro-choice. This is actually a example of ethical dilemma. and this is actually a difficult question for a company to solve it. Because some people did not support them to invent the medicine and did not want them to offer it. and the company first announce an announcement that they will stop offer it. And they will also respect pro-life people. But after some days, because of the pro-choice's people's against, the law did not prohibit people to sell it. So this company announce they will offer the medicine now. And this is actually a smart solution. Did not offend anyone.
POSTED FOR OLIVIA CUI
ReplyDeleteIgnoring the difference between what the drink seller and Dr. Daniel McGhee says about whether nicotine has addictive effects. This new kind of drink ”NIC Lite Water” is created by the purpose of another way to smoke in public places. As people know that people smoke when they are craving and want to relax their spirit. No one questions that nicotine has the ability to “enhance memory, increase attention and have other positive effects” (from http://www.canada.com/topics/bodyandhealth/story.html?id=e7d26bae-b5cf-4fac-99de-a9a2940a5c30&k=15452%20). Based on the evidence that nicotine is an important composition to make cigarettes, we should know that the “NIC Lite Water” which is formed by a large amount of nicotine could impact one’s mind less or more. How can we sell this product which has the same ability with drug and just did not considered as a kind of drug in corner stores? Although it can reduce the second hand smoke smoked either by nose or skin, you can drink more bottles nicotine to realize the unhappy caused by craving.
“NIC Lite Water” is invested in America, and the company is trying to make selling this products become an international business. Both marketplaces and e-commerce sell the drink. Canada is also a country that is considered if the government should allow this drink to sell. As Canada supports independent business, “NIC Lite Water” should be able to get into the Canadian market. And for sure that Canada must have the own rule to determine if a kind of product belongs to drug or smoke. Children are not good to drink this liquid, so perhaps selling in the stores only for drinks and smokes is another way to remain the business in Canada for the people who want or need it. I think the managers of the company should also need more plans for the risks may come to this controversial business. The disagreement from citizens may influence the country’s decision to whether allow the products appear in their country. Further, if the percentage of disagreement is really high, both of the demand and price cannot go up in the country. The supply and price may be impacted a lot, it is hard to predict if to become an international business is an excellent idea for development or not.
In a conclusion, whether the company should sell the products in other countries is determined by both of the country’s government and the company; if the “NIC Lite Water” can be sold good belongs the demands of the citizens in the country. I think the best way to make the company become an international business after the country’s permit is trying to sell a small amount of products in the special stores first, which just likes cigarette and alcohol stores in Canada. It can both supply for the people who have the demands and protect the damages to people, likes to children.
In my opinion, I think that this drink should not be legal. This substance harbours a highly addictive drug (nicotine). What would happen if a minor consumed this? Could they become addicted to it? Would health complications occur leading back to the consumption of this drink? Cigarettes are sold to those who are nineteen and older. They contain nicotine. This drink has twice the amount of nicotine that is in one cigarette. If children were to drink this, would it be as effective as smoking two cigarettes? Or would they simply be hyper? I think that if corner stores are going to sell this drink, there should be an age limit. To ensure that it is followed, consumers should have to show their ID's to buy it.
ReplyDeleteI fully do not agree with the distribution of this substance. However, I do think that it is a intelligent business idea. It caters to three audiences; those who are trying to quit smoking, current smokers and consumers who have not smoked before. I assume that when you start drinking this (because of the nicotine) over time you will become compelled to buy it more and more. This product seems that it would be in demand because of it's wide range of consumers. That doesn't necessarily mean that it is safe for all to consume. If a business was going to market this product, something that they would have to ask themselves would be; " Will this be popular in other countries also?" Then the business would have to consider things like staring franchises in other places if it becomes high in demand. Would they create different flavours to cater more to children? Countries that might find this product in demand would be places like; Cuba, Spain and Japan. If the business that created this drink would want to market it, I do believe that it would become very popular.
These are some ethical questions that occurred to me:
Could minors (as well as non minors) become addicted to this?
Do health concerns apply when drinking this?
Why create something with so much nicotine?
Would this affect non smokers more than current/previous smokers?
Could this be successful in other countries?
Why create something to cater to Smoker specifically?
In conclusion, I believe that this product should not be sold legally. If it was, I would think it wise to put an age restriction on it. This drink should NOT be mass produced as it seems that not enough research had been done on it for consumers to truly know if it is safe or not to consume.
Ethical Dilemma Example
ReplyDelete