Panama

Panama's Supreme Court declares law banning e-cigarettes and vaping devices unconstitutional, sparking debate over legislative process.

The 10th session of the COP10 was officially held in Panama City, with Dr. Reina Roa elected as chairperson.

From February 5th to 10th, representatives from around the world gathered in Panama City for COP10 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).

The 10th World Conference on Tobacco Control in Panama focuses on tobacco advertising and new products, especially e-cigarettes.

The World Health Organization announced that the 10th Conference of the Parties and the 3rd Meeting of the Parties for the FCTC and the Protocol have been postponed until 2024.

Panama's Supreme Court will hear a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, seen as a positive step for tobacco harm reduction groups.

Despite Panama's ban on e-cigarette sales, a consumer survey found 200,000 users or 5% of the population uses e-cigarette and disposable e-cigarettes being most popular.

The Panama City Beach City Council approved a ban on smoking and vaping on city parks, public beach access points, and the Russell-Fields Pier.