Why Did New Brunswick Ban Vape Flavours?
New Brunswick’s flavour ban and recent amendments reflect ongoing concerns about youth vaping. Initially, in 2021, the province banned flavoured vaping products, except for tobacco, aiming to reduce the appeal of vaping among young people. Health officials argued that flavours like fruit and candy attract youth, making it easier for them to start vaping and become addicted to nicotine. Data from the New Brunswick Student Wellness and Education Survey show that nearly a quarter of students in grades 6-12 have tried vaping, reinforcing the government’s stance on flavour restrictions to protect younger audiences.
More Than a Ban: Recent Amendments to the Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Sales Act
In September 2023, additional changes to the Tobacco and Electronic Cigarette Sales Act took effect, including mandatory licensing requirements for stores, increased fees, and ID checks for those under 25. Notably, the amendments also grant more authority to inspectors to seize illegal products and enforce compliance. The need for these changes arose after many businesses reportedly failed to comply with the initial flavour ban, leading to 38 non-compliance charges since 2022, with fines ranging from $240 to $5,200. These strengthened regulations aim to bolster enforcement and ensure that stores adhere to the province’s restrictions on flavoured vape products.
Impact of The Flavour Ban on Vaping Behaviour
While the flavour ban primarily targets youth, adult vapers argue it impacts them by removing the flavours that help them avoid cigarettes. Many ex-smokers rely on non-tobacco flavours to stay away from smoking, as the appeal of fruit or dessert flavours helps them break their association with the taste of traditional tobacco. Similar restrictions in provinces like Nova Scotia have led some adult vapers back to cigarettes or toward the black market, where unregulated flavoured products pose additional safety risks. The rise of illicit sales due to flavour restrictions is a concern among industry advocates who argue that this could lead to unsafe products circulating in the market.
Consequences of New Brunswick Ban on Vape Flavour
The vapers community in Canada is concerned about this new initiative. They are worried that this initiative might not help curb the ratio of vape users. However, it might spark a backlash, increasing black market activities.
Smokers who were close to quitting smoking and were relying on these flavoured products will likely switch back to smoking. The main reason for introducing these new flavoured vaping products was to curb the ratio of traditional smokers since smoking cigarettes has increased health risks. Vaping keeps users from inhaling thousands of carcinogens, but the new ban will again raise the number of traditional smokers.
Considering the country’s economic health, it will become difficult for small businesses to survive. Hundreds of families who sell these flavoured vape products in vape shops will go out of business, cutting their monthly income and causing them economic loss. Some business owners may even have to break their lease agreements, which will again cause these people a financial loss. The closure of dozens of small businesses will increase unemployment, which is unsuitable for New Brunswick and its people.
Ongoing Legal and Community Reactions to the Flavour Ban
In response, some vape shop owners legally challenge the flavour ban, claiming it infringes on constitutional rights by limiting access to harm-reduction tools. These legal challenges, while pending, highlight the tension between youth protection and harm reduction for adults. Meanwhile, local health officials and organisations like the New Brunswick Medical Society continue to advocate for stricter measures, including raising the minimum purchasing age for vaping products to 21, further aiming to reduce youth access.
What’s Next for Vaping Enthusiasts in New Brunswick?
With New Brunswick as part of a broader national movement on vaping restrictions, other provinces are watching closely. Health advocates, including the Canadian Cancer Society, are pushing for federal regulations to unify flavour restrictions across Canada, which could simplify enforcement. For adult vapers impacted by these changes, staying informed and participating in advocacy is crucial. Joining groups like Rights4Vapers and sharing personal stories could help shape future policies that balance youth protection with harm reduction for adults.
Navigating the Changing Vaping Landscape
New Brunswick’s ban on flavoured vapes is part of a larger trend affecting vapers across Canada. For adult users, the goal is to stay informed, understand the impacts, and participate in public discussions. If flavours play a role in your journey to quit smoking, consider exploring compliant options through trusted speciality retailers.
At Majestic Vapes, we offer a variety of vape juices, salt nics, and hardware to suit your needs. Stop by to discover flavours and products that keep your experience safe, enjoyable, and satisfying. Explore our collection today!
