Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Health officially issued new vaping regulations to curtail youth uptake rates.
REGINA, Sask. — The Canadian Vaping Association (CVA) announced that they are pleased with the “balanced vaping regulations” Saskatchewan’s Health Ministry issued a few days ago.
According to Health Minister Paul Merriman, the introduced regulations are “necessary to restrict the sale of flavored vapor products to adult-only vape shops, and limiting marketing and availability to youth.”
The amendments will come into force on September 1, 2021, notes a press statement.
“Vapor flavoured products like strawberry and ice cream give young people the false impression that vaping is harmless when it is every bit as habit-forming as smoking,” Health Minister Merriman said in the same press statement.
“Building upon the legislation this government introduced to regulate vape products as we do tobacco, we want to provide our youth with every opportunity to choose to be tobacco and vape-free.”
“The CVA commends the actions taken by the Government of Saskatchewan to protect youth,” said Darryl Tempest, the association’s executive director.
“Vapor products are harm reduction tools intended for adult smokers,” Tempest said. “We see this legislation as having great potential to support adult smokers that have chosen vaping to reduce their harm.”
The Tobacco and Vapor Products Control Act received royal assent in December of 2019 and came into the force of law in February of 2020. The regulations promulgated by the Saskatchewan Health Ministry reflect the passage of these legal provisions.
These regulations require a minimum legal sales age of 18 years or older for vapor or electronic cigarette devices and products.
Regulations also require prohibitions on displaying promotional materials for vapor and e-cigarette products in business areas where minors are not allowed to access.
Vaping in and around public buildings, schools, school grounds, and other facilities is also not permitted, per provincial tobacco legislation.
Vaping is prohibited in specified facilities, including amusement parks, arcades, and theaters. Advertisements for vaping and e-cigarette products in the same manner as traditional tobacco products are also restricted and prohibited in certain venues.
Canada: Saskatchewan Province Looks Into Regulating Flavours
