As of October 31, 2023, vape shops in Quebec will only be able to sell vaping products with "tobacco" flavors, a government choice that could have catastrophic repercussions on the vape market but also on health with a potential resurgence of smoking. If these new directives are supposed to “protect” the population, for some professionals they are severe and completely forget the condition of the consumer.
“THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN SEVERE” WITH THE VAPE!
Quebec merchants specializing in the vape anticipate the ban on flavors, decreed by the Quebec government. As of October 31, 2023, they will only be able to sell products with a “tobacco” flavor. All other possibilities will be prohibited.
Traders fear that this ban will have consequences on their income which is mainly based on the sale of products flavored with the taste or aromas of fruits or herbs. The provincial government believes that these new regulations will help counter the popularity of these products among the most vulnerable people.
« These new regulations concerning vaping products aim in particular to protect young people from the harmful and worrying effects of vaping. It is our responsibility and we will ensure that these substances become less attractive to everyone. "Indicates Christian Dube, the Minister of Health of Quebec, in a press release.
For some professionals like Jonathan Gendron, owner of three Vape Dépôt shops: “ Sales will definitely go down. The government's objective to better protect the health of Quebecers, especially that of young people, is good, but that will not solve the problem. Products will continue to flow. Consumers will turn to the black market or buy online"
The concern is therefore palpable in a province where it is not possible to obtain supplies via the internet either. " The government was tough. The customer has been forgotten. Vaping isn't the best thing for your health, we agree, but it's still much better than smoking cigarettes. The government did not take the right approach in wanting to prevent minors from starting to vape. He penalizes everyone says Mr. Gendron.
There is no doubt that the end of the year will be complicated or even catastrophic for businesses specializing in the vape but also for the vapers themselves who will obviously be tempted to return to their initial demon: smoking.
