According to reports from foreign media, the Canadian province of Quebec will ban the sale of flavored e-cigarettes starting from October 31st, only allowing the sale of tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes. E-cigarette merchants are concerned that this ban will impact their revenue, as their main income comes from selling flavored products such as fruit or herbal spice flavors.
However, the Quebec government believes that this new regulation will help curb the popularity of these products among more vulnerable populations.
Quebec Health Minister Christian Dubé said in a press release that "these new regulations regarding e-cigarette products aim to protect young people from the harmful and concerning effects of e-cigarettes. It is our responsibility, and we will ensure that these substances are no longer attractive to anyone.
In addition to banning the sale of flavored e-cigarette products, the new regulation also sets a maximum nicotine concentration of 20 mg/ml for all e-cigarette products. The capacity of pods is limited to 2 ml, while bottled e-liquids cannot exceed a maximum capacity of 30 ml.
Jonathan Théroux, owner of three Vape Dépôt stores, one of which is located in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, acknowledges that the tightening regulations on e-cigarette products will have an impact on his business. He stated, "Sales will definitely decrease. The government's objective is to better protect the health of Quebecers, especially young people, which is a good thing, but it won't solve the problem. The products will continue to circulate. Consumers will seek the black market or purchase online." Théroux has been working in this industry for approximately ten years.
Regildong is concerned that banning the sale of flavored e-cigarette products may prompt some adults to start smoking again. Antoine Verjus, owner of a branch of Popavape, shares the same concerns. He hopes customers won't revert to smoking. "The government's stance is extremely strict. Customers are being overlooked. We agree that vaping is not the healthiest choice, but it is still much better than smoking. The government's approach is incorrect because they are trying to prevent minors from starting to vape. This is a punishment for everyone.
According to Winna's statement, the ideal solution should first be a complete ban on the sale of e-cigarette products in convenience stores, similar to the current policy in Ontario province. This measure aims to better control the sales to minors. Despite the expected decrease in revenue, he believes that Popavap will be able to withstand this impact.
Due to the implementation of new regulations, Covap's branch in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu is also expected to experience a decline in sales, compounded by the significant construction happening in front of the store, which has slowed down sales. Thomas Sillar, an advisor at Covap, stated, "Over 80% of our sales are flavored products. The majority of customers who purchase these products are between the ages of 35 and 40. Older individuals tend to prefer products with tobacco flavors and aromas.
Jonathan Jardong and Antoine Verdana both express disappointment that while online sales of e-cigarettes and e-cigarette products are allowed in other parts of Canada, Quebec does not permit it. They believe that customers will turn to online shopping to purchase products that are prohibited from being sold in Quebec.
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