Quebec has adopted regulations banning flavored vaping products, except tobacco flavor, starting October 30, 2023. Imperial Tobacco Canada (ITCAN) reiterates opposition, arguing the government is acting emotionally without considering vaping’s harm reduction potential.
“These regulations will do nothing to change youth consumption. We agree too many young people are vaping but flavor restrictions won’t solve this,” said Eric Gagnon, VP of ITCAN. “Youth already obtain vaping products illegally and will continue to via the black market, where there are no safety standards.”
Instead, ITCAN recommends:
- Severe penalties for supplying vapes to minors
- Education to discourage adults from supplying to minors
- Mandatory retailer training on preventing underage sales
“The government missed an opportunity to lead in tobacco harm reduction using facts and science,” added Gagnon. “A balanced framework allowing flavors while cracking down on youth access could have been encouraged. Instead they succumbed to anti-tobacco groups, leaving adults with only illegal or dangerous options.”
How Will Banning Flavors Undermine Harm Reduction Goals?
Health Canada acknowledges vaping is less harmful than smoking and can help adults quit. But ITCAN argues the flavor ban will prevent vaping from reaching its full harm reduction potential.
Flavors Improve Smoking Cessation
Flavored vapes are more satisfying for adult smokers trying to quit. With only tobacco flavor available legally, they may relapse to smoking or turn to underground options.
Drives Black Market Activity
Banning retail flavors funnels demand to unregulated black market sources with no oversight on safety or youth access. discreet online sales remain easily accessible.
Ignores Why Adults Vape
Flavors appeal to adult smokers switching to a reduced harm alternative. For them, vaping is not about flavors but quitting smoking. Banning flavors wrongly focuses on the wrong motivations.
No Transition Period
Prohibiting flavors overnight gives retailers no time to sell through inventory or transition business plans, resulting in huge financial disruptions.
What Regulation Should Focus On Instead
Rather than limiting adult access, ITCAN advocates regulations focused squarely on preventing underage vaping:
- Strong penalties for retailers supplying to minors
- Public education discouraging adult supply to youth
- Mandatory staff training on ID checks and denying underage sales
This compliance-based approach allows adults access to satisfying flavored alternatives while disrupting youth access.
Concerns About Overreach in Quebec’s Vaping Policies
Beyond banning flavors, Quebec imposes even tighter restrictions:
- 2 ml tank/pod capacity
- 30 ml maximum bottle size
- Plain packaging requirements
- Graphic health warnings
- Marketing prohibitions
Critics argue this represents dramatic government overreach that will create massive upheaval for retailers and adult consumers while proving ineffective at preventing determined youth access.
Balance is Needed Between Harm Reduction and Limiting Youth Appeal
Quebec aims to curb youth vaping, but faces backlash for undermining vaping’s harm reduction potential. More evidence is needed to strike the right regulatory balance.
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