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:** Flory, thank you for joining us today. It’s been a year since the law prohibiting the sale of flavored vaping products came into effect in Quebec. How effective has this law been in your view?
**Flory Doucas:** Thank you for having me. Unfortunately, I must say that while we can’t claim it has changed absolutely nothing, the impact has been far from what we hoped for. The industry has shown a significant lack of will to comply. Flavored products remain easily accessible both online and in some stores, which undermines the law’s intent.
**Interviewer:** Can you elaborate on how specialized stores have adapted since the law took effect?
**Flory Doucas:** Yes, as soon as the law was enacted, many specialized stores began selling flavor enhancers—nicotine-free liquids that can be added to unflavored e-liquids. These enhancers effectively allow customers to achieve their desired flavors despite the law, which is quite concerning.
**Interviewer:** Valérie Gallant from the Coalition for the Rights of Vapers of Quebec has pointed out that the government has struggled to enforce this law effectively. Do you agree with her assessment?
**Flory Doucas:** I understand the frustrations on that front. While we are pushing for more stringent enforcement and inspections, it’s clear that the current measures are insufficient. The lack of compliance from the industry and the government’s ability to enforce the law are indeed problematic.
**Interviewer:** What do you think needs to happen moving forward?
**Flory Doucas:** We need to see a more robust approach to enforcement, including more regular inspections and quicker actions against non-compliant businesses. Additionally, we need to look at the accessibility of flavored vaping products in reserves and online to truly address the issue.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what do you say to parents and the public who are concerned about youth vaping, especially with reports showing that 62% of young vapers are using flavored products?
**Flory Doucas:** It’s a serious concern, and we must act now to prevent the normalization of vaping among youth. Legislation alone isn’t enough if there is a lack of enforcement. We all have a responsibility to protect young people from the dangers associated with vaping and ensure the law is upheld effectively.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Flory, for your insights. It sounds like there’s still much work to be done to truly regulate flavored vaping in Quebec.
**Flory Doucas:** Thank you for having me. Yes, it’s an ongoing challenge, but one that we must persistently address.
