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That pharmacists were going to be caught on the horns of an ethical and commercial dilemma regarding e-cigarettes was inevitable given that the MHRA took so long to decide about their regulation.

The dithering drugs watchdog actually consulted on whether to bring nicotine-containing products (NCPs) within the licensing regime back in February-June 2010. However it wasn't until June last year that the decision was finally taken to regulate NCPs as medicines by 2016, which is when the EU Tobacco Products Directive will be implemented.

Too late. The unlicensed e-cig genie has well and truly escaped from the regulatory bottle. The market for these devices could reach an estimated £300m by 2015. Consumer demand seems unstoppable.

As things stand currently pharmacists are in an impossible position

Many pharmacists, especially those working for the big pharmacy multiples, now find themselves in the invidious position of stocking these unlicensed products against the advice of various professional and government health bodies.

The RPS is right to seek a consensus on the sale of e-cigarettes from pharmacies. Clarity is desperately needed €“ and quickly €“ because as things stand pharmacists find themselves in an impossible position.