MEXICO CITY.- The ruling majority in the Chamber of Deputies approved constitutional reforms that completely prohibit the use of vapes and electronic cigarettes in Mexico, with sanctions of up to eight years in prison for its sale.
The vote was 324 in favor and 129 against the ruling, derived from a initiative sent by the president Claudia Sheinbaum.
The ruling reforms the General Health Law “regarding the prohibition of electronic cigarettes, vaping devices and other similar systems or devices,” and establishes penalties one to eight years in prison for its sale.
Fine for the sale of vapes and electronic cigarettes
It also imposes a fine equivalent to 100 to 2,000 times the daily value of the Measurement and Update Unit (UMA, equivalent to between 11,314 pesos and 226,280 pesos). for sale of these devices.
The reform prohibits throughout the national territory “the acquisition, production, manufacturing, transportation for commercial purposes, storage, import, export, distribution, sale and supply of these devices, as well as all advertising or propaganda acts for consumption.”
What are electronic cigarettes and vapes?
Defines the electronic cigarettes, vapes and other similar systems or devices such as “any mechanical, electronic or any technological device or system that is used to heat, vaporize or atomize toxic substances, with or without nicotine, other than tobacco, that can be inhaled by the consumer.”
The initiative also recognizes the vaping as a health threat public, which will allow the implementation of policies to reduce dependence on its use and protect vulnerable groups.
Also, ensure full respect for the precautionary principle in health risk management.
In addition to banning vapes, it was noted in a statement, the reform also strengthens health care in Mexico by expanding the powers of the Ministry of Health in infrastructure planning, the supply of medicines and the coordination of the National Health System.
They warn that the door is opening to organized crime
During the legislative discussion, opposition deputies criticized the ruling party for “open the door to organized crime” in the vape and electronic cigarette business.
“Not regulating a product that people already consume is the same as more black market and more money for drug traffickers“said representative Iraís Reyes, from Movimiento Ciudadano.
“Now, this December thanks to Morena (the drug traffickers) they will receive their bonus”
Representative Iraís Reyes
They call pro-government legislators hypocrites
The legislator called the pro-government legislators who “vape” hypocrites.
“You vape, we have seen you“I don’t know how they come to impose a ban when they are consumers of vaping devices,” he said.
Last June, organizations and specialists warned – within the framework of World Vaping Day, which is celebrated every May 31 – about the alarming growth of “black market” for illegal vaporizers and cigarettes in Mexicoderived from prohibitive policies and lack of regulation.