2024-10-31 04:00:00
A year after the entry into force of the law aimed at prohibiting the sale of flavored vaping products, the regulations are far from having had the desired effect while the flavors remain easily accessible online and on reservations, deplore several speakers.
“We are not ready to say that it has changed absolutely nothing, but it is certain that there is a great lack of will to comply on the part of the industry, and that means that the law did not have the desired impact,” says from the outset the spokesperson for the Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control, Flory Doucas.
Specialized stores wasted no time in turning to flavor enhancers as soon as the law came into force. These nicotine-free flavored liquids which can be added to real flavorless e-liquids are still on sale today.
In some stores, employees even explain how to add flavor enhancers to unflavored e-liquids. Credit: Nicolas St-Pierre
“It’s a waste of time. It hasn’t changed anything in the world of vaping because those who want flavors can still get them easily. The government is not able to enforce the law properly,” said the spokesperson for the Coalition for the Rights of Vapers of Quebec, Valérie Gallant, who believes that the situation should have been handled differently.
“The Walmart of vaping”
The latter even claims that access to different products has never been so easy and affordable.
“I visited a store on a reserve recently, and even back then, I had never seen so many choices of flavors. In addition, it costs a third of the price we paid before the introduction of the latest tax. It’s certain that people are taking advantage of it, it’s literally the Walmart of vaping.”
According to some speakers, advertising surrounding vaping products has never been more present Photo taken from Vape Wôlinak’s Facebook
A store in the Kanesatake area has also confirmed to Journal that the vast majority of its customers came from outside the territory.
A survey carried out on behalf of the Quebec Council on Tobacco and Health (CQTS) also shows that 62% of young people who vape do so with flavors (see box).
“All we did was sweep the problem under the rug. It’s not complicated, people go to the reserves or order online and it arrives directly to their door. We even give 15% discounts in Antidotes coupon books in Quebec. It’s completely ridiculous,” laments Ms. Gallant.
Is the federal government to blame?
For its part, the Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control is calling for more inspections and denouncing the delays that drag on in court when lawsuits are filed.
The office of Minister of Health Christian Dubé recalled in a statement to Journal that “everyone must follow the law.”
“MSSS inspectors tour the stores to issue findings and files are currently being analyzed. Fines can reach $250,000,” it was indicated.
Flory Doucas continues to think that Quebec is on the right track, but she nevertheless believes that the law will remain difficult to apply as long as the federal government does not get involved, among other things, with regard to orders in line.
“The federal government is going to have to step up and stop burying its head in the sand. Yes, there are always certain points to improve in Quebec law, but if we really want to put a brake on it, we should start by putting an end to interprovincial sales and even more,” she demands.
Remember that last March, a representative of the Journal turned to an Ontario business to place an order online. After a few days, our order containing flavored products was received by mail, without any verification being carried out regarding age.
The ever-popular flavors
62% of young people who have vaped in the last six months did so with flavors. Young people who obtain them themselves buy them on websites (13%), at convenience stores (12%), on social networks (9%) and in specialized stores (8%). 74% of young people who have never vaped mention that the ban on flavors dissuades them from trying it.
Source: Léger survey carried out among 1,506 young Quebecers aged 12 to 17, on behalf of the Quebec Council on Tobacco and Health (CQTS)
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**Interview with Flory Doucas, Spokesperson for the Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Flory. It’s been a year since the law prohibiting the sale of flavored vaping products came into effect. What has been your assessment of its impact?
**Flory Doucas:** Thank you for having me. Unfortunately, it seems the regulations have not had the desired impact. While it’s not accurate to say nothing has changed, the reality is that compliance from the industry has been minimal. Flavored products remain widely available online and on reserves, which undermines the law’s intentions.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that specialized stores quickly adapted by offering flavor enhancers. How significant is this ongoing access to flavored products?
**Flory Doucas:** It’s very significant. These nicotine-free flavor enhancers allow users to continue enjoying flavored vaping without technically violating the law. As a result, the desired outcomes of reduced accessibility to these products, especially for youth, are not being met.
**Interviewer:** Valérie Gallant from the Coalition for the Rights of Vapers expressed that access to flavors has never been easier. What do you say to those concerns?
**Flory Doucas:** I understand the frustration. The claim that access is easier contradicts our public health goals. We are fighting against a tide of convenience that ultimately places more young people at risk of nicotine dependency. Yes, it may be cheaper and easier to find these flavors now, but that simply reinforces the need for stricter enforcement of the existing regulations.
**Interviewer:** The government has stated that inspections are ongoing. Do you believe they’re doing enough to enforce the law?
**Flory Doucas:** There is a noticeable lack of will on the part of the government to rigorously enforce the law. More inspections and follow-ups are necessary. The current legal processes are too slow, and by the time action is taken, the problem has already escalated significantly.
**Interviewer:** What changes would you like to see moving forward?
**Flory Doucas:** We need a proactive approach that includes more stringent enforcement of the law, increased public education about the risks of vaping, and community dialogues to truly understand the youth vaping epidemic. Collaboration between health organizations and government authorities is critical to addressing this issue effectively.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Flory, for sharing your insights. It’s clear there’s still much work to be done in this area.
**Flory Doucas:** Thank you. We must remain vigilant and committed to protecting public health, especially for our youth.
