Two years after Quebec implemented a ban on flavored vaping products, the policy appears to have backfired significantly. According to new data from the Quebec National Institute of Public Health (INSPQ), nearly 84% of flavors purchased by vapers in the province are now obtained illegally, marking a 16.9% increase in just one year. Conversely, the use of legal, flavorless or tobacco-flavored products has plummeted from 33% to just 16.1%.
The ban, intended to reduce vaping appeal among youth, seems to have failed in its primary objective. Vaping rates among 18-24 year olds have actually risen from 15.1% to 18.2% over the last year. Michel Poulin, spokesperson for the Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control, described the measures as a "complete failure" and a "flop." An investigation by the association found that nearly 95% of vape shops and over half of convenience stores visited were still selling illicit flavors, often openly or through coded language.
While the black market thrives, compliant retailers are suffering. Mathieu Belland, a shop owner adhering to the law, reported an 80% drop in vape sales in the first year and another 50% drop in the second. He expressed frustration at the lack of enforcement, noting that illegal products are even being delivered via Canada Post. The Quebec Tobacco Association estimates compliant tobacconists have faced financial losses between 15% and 35% since the law took effect. Fruit flavors remain the most popular illegal purchase at 63.6%, highlighting the continued consumer demand despite the prohibition.
