Is It Legal to Vape Anywhere in Canada Today?

Today, smoking bans exist in countries across the world. Vaping, however, is typically seen as less obtrusive, and less dangerous. Therefore, you might expect vaping laws to be slightly lax surrounding where you could or couldn’t use a vape.

Very often, vaping is only allowed in the same places where smoking is permitted. So, if you are unable to smoke in a bar, it might be the same for vapes. So, you might expect restaurants, hospitals, and bars to prohibit vaping.

What is the state of play in Canada regarding vaping though? Does the law allow for more freedom for vapers, or are there strict restrictions across the country?

Is it legal to buy vaping products in Canada?

The industry surrounding e-cigarettes is expected to reach 1.7 billion CAD this year.  So clearly, there is a market for vape products in Canada.

It is completely legal to buy vaping products in Canada. Anyone can own, or use a vape anywhere in the country as long as certain rules are followed.

Vaping products can be legally purchased in person at a licensed vape shop, or by going online. A visit to Dampfi Vapes or a similar site will display products available within Canadian borders. However, not all vaping juice is legal in Canada.

Are there restrictions on some e-liquids in Canada?

In 2020, the Minister of Health and the Canadian government sought a reduction in the amount of nicotine in vape juices.

It was proposed that lowering the nicotine content in e-liquids could help smokers transition away from cigarettes easier, and eventually stop smoking altogether.

The liquid content at the time was 66 mg/mL. The new proposal which came into effect in July 2020 only allows a maximum concentration of 20 mg/mL.

What are the vaping laws in Canada now?

Like many developed nations, Canada heavily restricts smoking in public and who can buy tobacco products.

Tobacco-related products can only be sold to adults who are 18 or older. So, you would expect the country to have similar age restrictions regarding vaping products.

All vaping product sales are age-restricted. Vendors can only sell vape juice for instance to adults who are 18 or older.

Yet, Canada has provincial laws also. Ontario for instance has set the age limit to 19 for vapes, and Prince Edward Island residents need to wait until they are 21 to buy an e-cigarette legally. These stricter laws are in place to ensure underage teens aren’t able to start smoking.

Where are you allowed to vape in Canada?

Canada has some of the best cities on the planet, including Toronto obviously. But, it is perhaps the vast unspoiled areas of natural beauty that come to mind when thinking about Canada.

Aside from uninhabited land, mountains, lakes, and rivers, Canada’s air quality is amongst the best in the world. Not surprisingly then, there are restrictions on where you can smoke and vape.

You will largely be able to use a vape anywhere that smoking is allowed. So, this rules out schools, libraries, restaurants, malls, and workplaces that are indoors. There are some exceptions though due to provincial laws and First Nations self-governance.

For example, you can currently use a vape indoors in public areas such as a bar in Newfoundland unless the owner specifies otherwise. And, British Columbia allows vaping in hospitals in specially designated rooms.

What restrictions are in place for vaping products?

Aside from age restrictions and regulations for smoking indoors, there are some other restrictions vapers should be aware of.

Vaping is allowed in vape shops if minors are excluded from entry. Testing product samples are allowed in these stores as long as no more than 2 people are vaping at the same time.

Vaping is not allowed in a car if any of the passengers are under 16.  Even if you step outside to use a vape there are some rules to follow.

In British Columbia, you must be six metres away from doors, open windows, and vents. In Ontario, you cannot vape on a restaurant’s patio or within 9 metres of it.

Of course, you cannot give or supply vapes to anyone under the age of 19 or 21 depending on which part of Canada you are in, or you could face a hefty fine.

Summary

Canada allows anyone of legal age to purchase and use vapes so long as they don’t exceed the maximum threshold for nicotine content. Canada has adopted a position that allows freedom for anyone wishing to vape while also protecting air quality in public areas and considering bystanders.

Canada is aiming to reduce tobacco usage to 5% of the population by 2035. By allowing vaping, albeit with some restrictions, in the country the government can be positive about hitting its target.

Other articles from totimes.ca – otttimes.ca – mtltimes.ca