A ban on flavoured vapes in Canada would have “devastating public health consequences,” a vaping advocacy group has warned.
The Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) says the proposed legislation undermines the country’s goal of becoming ‘smoke-free’ (defined as a smoking rate of under five per cent) by 2035, as it withdraws an important aid for smokers wanting to quit.
Failing to address the root causes of youth vaping
The move would also put young people more at risk, the CVA says, by failing to address the root causes of them choosing to vape - such as stress, anxiety, depression and peer pressure.
In a statement, the CVA said: “We must acknowledge and not ignore that more than 1.5 million adult vapers in Canada use flavoured vaping products to stop smoking.
“We agree underage youth should not vape, however, more needs to be done through education and providing the necessary tools for parents, teachers, coaches, and community members, to understand the underlying issues as to why youth are vaping and providing solutions to solve their nicotine dependence.”
Flavoured vapes help smokers quit
The CVA accuses tobacco control lobbyists - who are pushing for the law - of failing to recognise Canada’s “progressive approach to vaping,” which it says is key to reaching the national goal of becoming smoke-free.
The group said: “Vaping serves as a vital harm-reduction tool, helping smokers quit while reducing the devastating toll of smoking, which claims 48,000 lives annually.
“Canada’s Tobacco Strategy focuses on 1) changing behaviour to save lives and helping Canadians quit smoking using the harm-reduction techniques that work for them and recognises vaping as the most effective harm reduction tool, 2) meeting people where they are: understanding why youth are vaping, addressing those issues of mental health and protecting youth from nicotine addiction before it gets out of hand, and 3) ensuring no person is left behind: reduce health disparities and address the stigma around smoking.”
Enforcing existing regulations
The CVA says the most effective strategy to curb youth access to vapes is better enforcement of existing regulations. This includes imposing substantial fines and suspending licences for non-compliant businesses, as well as tackling the illicit trade.
It said: “This approach has proven successful in other regulated industries, such as cannabis and alcohol, where compliance ensures responsible marketplace operation. Vaping, when regulated and monitored effectively, is no different and can achieve the same level of oversight and protection.”
The group points to Australia, where tight regulations have simply fuelled the black market trade in illegal vapes. “In places like Australia, poorly regulated black markets have led to organised crime dominating vape sales rather than a compliant legal industry,” it said.
