Mexico’s Senate has enacted significant legal reforms targeting the production and sale of vapes and electronic cigarettes, introducing penalties that could include up to eight years of imprisonment and fines reaching 226,000 pesos (approximately $12,500). This drastic measure has sparked criticism, with opponents labeling it excessively restrictive.
The reforms, which amend the General Health Law, were ratified late Wednesday by senators aligned with the government after passing through the lower house on Tuesday. They now await the signature of President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has expressed her support for the legislative changes. Sheinbaum emphasized the dangers of vaping, asserting that in some instances, vapes can be more harmful than traditional cigarettes. “You shouldn’t smoke cigarettes, and you shouldn’t use vapes,” she reiterated.
Mexico’s stance on smoking has shifted significantly over the past two decades, with a comprehensive ban on smoking in most public areas implemented in recent years. The government is now targeting vapes, a trend mirrored in countries like Argentina and Brazil, where similar prohibitions exist due to rising health concerns. Notably, Mexico has not outlawed the personal use of vapes.
In response to fears of organized crime’s involvement in the market, Sheinbaum stated that the government is collaborating with state authorities to counter potential illegal sales, although she did not specify when these new regulations would take effect.
Opposition Senator Luis Colosio condemned the reforms as “prohibitionist,” arguing that the government is sidestepping its duty to regulate and monitor the industry by resorting to outright bans. He asserted, “Prohibitions are nothing more than an easy way out of a problem they either don’t want to or can’t control.”
Despite the impending measures, vapes and e-cigarettes remain widely available in retail stores across Mexico City, with no detailed plans presented by authorities to tackle street-level sales. Local residents, like Valentina, expressed mixed feelings; some believe that a ban might help curb accessibility to these products, which are often sold at low prices.
As the situation unfolds, Mexico’s approach to vaping continues to provoke debate over public health versus individual choice, reflecting a broader global dialogue on the implications of alternative smoking products.
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