Key Points
- The Chamber of Deputies postponed the debate on the full ban of vapes and e-cigarettes to next Tuesday.
- The reform would completely prohibit the sale and distribution of these devices.
- Lawmaker Amancay González Franco (MC) warned that the bill excludes tobacco heaters like Philip Morris’s IQOS, allegedly more harmful to health.
- The reform introduces prison terms of 1–8 years for purchasing vapes, a penalty stricter than for possessing small amounts of narcotics.
- Critics argue the measure criminalizes youth and serves tobacco industry interests rather than public health.
2Firsts, December 5, 2025 — According to La Jornada, Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies has postponed until next Tuesday the debate on amendments to the General Health Law that would impose a complete ban on the distribution and sale of electronic cigarettes and vapes.
The decision was first made by the Political Coordination Board and later confirmed by the full chamber, which voted to modify the agenda that originally scheduled the reform as the sole topic for discussion.
Deputy Amancay González Franco (MC) criticized the draft, noting that it fails to ban tobacco heating devices, which the World Health Organization (WHO) deems even more harmful than vapes. “Today, the justification is that the aerosol produced by vapes contains fewer chemicals than the smoke from tobacco heaters,” she said.
The reform prohibits vapes and regulates electronic nicotine devices but leaves out tobacco heaters—a category dominated in Mexico by Philip Morris and its IQOS brand. “It is clear that for Mexicans’ health, neither is acceptable, but this regulation makes it evident that this is not public health—it is a tailor-made law to benefit Philip Morris,” González Franco stated.
She also warned that under the current wording, young people who purchase vapes could face one to eight years in prison, whereas possession of small doses of cocaine or methamphetamine does not carry imprisonment. “It will be more dangerous to buy a vape than to traffic drugs,” she emphasized.
While González Franco expressed support for banning vape sales and advertising due to proven health risks, she rejected criminal penalties against young users, announcing her intention to propose a modification to remove that clause.
She also revealed that the reform would eliminate 8% of the Health and Welfare Fund, previously allocated to treat catastrophic diseases, which she said would leave cancer patients unprotected.
Image source: La Jornada.
We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.
Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn
Notice
1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.
2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.
4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.
Copyright
This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.
For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.
We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com
