The Province implemented new legislation today around the selling, advertising, and use of e-cigarettes today.
The Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act was first introduced as an amendment in spring 2015 to help stop the popularity of “vaping.”
From now on, using e-cigarettes will be treated like any other tobacco product. It will now only be sold to adults 19 and older, and ads, displays, and products must be hidden.
Ginny Burnett owns Zaga’s Hemp Shop and she feels some of the restrictions are too much.
“I’m not against the 19, like selling to 19 and up, but I think it’s a little bit overboard to have to hide it all even when there’s no nicotine in it. I don’t think that’s going to stop anybody from smoking … (kids) are always going to get their hands on it. It’s like vodka that’s flavoured like bubble gum.”
Hiding the e-juice and other e-cigarette products will cost Burnett a lot in renovations.
“I have to have the windows all blacked out. I can’t allow anybody in unless they’re 19 or over with ID. I, therefore, have to remove a lot of my inventory which is catering to younger people.”
The Province states that the prevalence of e-cigarette use is highest among youth, noting one in five young Canadians has tried an e-cigarette.
You won’t be able to smoke e-cigarettes in public and private school grounds, workplaces, or in vehicles with kids under 16.
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