Vaping products that contain flavours or aromas other than tobacco could soon be banned in Quebec under new rules proposed by the government on Wednesday.
Why is Quebec Banning Flavoured Vaping Products?
The Quebec government hopes that this change to provincial regulations will make vaping products less attractive to minors. Health Minister Christian Dubé stated in an interview with Radio-Canada, “We’re not eliminating vaping, but we’re eliminating flavours. There will only be the taste of nicotine, and all other flavours will be prohibited.” The aim is to reduce the appeal of vaping to young people, as sweet-flavoured products make up 90% of what minors vape, with only the remaining 10% choosing tobacco-flavoured products, according to Isabelle Charest, the minister responsible for sports.
Proposed Regulations to Curb Vaping by Minors
The draft regulations proposed in Quebec include several measures to curb vaping by minors. These measures include:
- Limiting the maximum nicotine concentration in vaping products to 20 milligrams per millilitre.
- Restricting vaping tank and capsule capacity to two millilitres.
- Limiting the maximum volume refill capacity of liquid cartridges to 30 millilitres.
- Prohibiting vaping products from resembling toys, food, or taking other forms that might be attractive to minors.
The government aims to reduce the appeal of vaping products to young people by restricting the concentration of nicotine, the capacity of vaping tanks and cartridges, and the appearance of these products.
Challenges in Implementing the Regulations
While the Quebec government acknowledges the importance of these regulations in curbing vaping by minors, they also recognize the challenges in implementing them effectively. Health Minister Christian Dubé acknowledged the difficulty in stopping the sale of vaping products online, stating, “We know there will be contraband. We know young people might get some [vaping products] online. We are aware of that, but in the same way we have limited flavours for cigarettes and cannabis, we say, ‘it’s not legal, don’t do it.'”
Positive Response from Health Advocates
The proposed regulations have received a positive response from health advocates. The Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control welcomed the measures proposed in the province, with spokesperson Flory Doucas stating, “Banning flavours is the single most important measure to reduce the appeal of vaping to young people. This draft regulation is long overdue, and its publication, just as the industry is bringing a new generation of devices to the market, is excellent news for the health of young people.”
Impact on Vaping Industry
The proposed regulations are expected to have an impact on the vaping industry in Quebec. Companies that primarily sell vaping products may face job losses and a drop in sales due to the restrictions on flavours and other regulations. However, the government’s priority is to protect the health and well-being of minors by curbing their access to vaping products.
Conclusion
The proposed regulations by the Quebec government to ban flavoured vaping products and implement other measures to curb vaping by minors are aimed at reducing the appeal of these products to young people. While challenges in implementation may exist, the government acknowledges the importance of these regulations in protecting the health of minors. Health advocates have welcomed these measures, while the impact on the vaping industry remains to be seen.