Quebec wants to ban vape flavors, an unpopular decision in the industry.
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Demonstrators gathered on Monday to show their displeasure to Christian Dubé.
They are urging the government to back down on the phasing out of flavorings in vape products.
“They put all vaping products in dedicated vape shops because they are over 18,” says Daniel Marien, director of the Association of Vaping Industry Representatives.
He doesn’t want adults to be deprived of the flavors; it would help many cigarette smokers to quit smoking.
“Vaping has really helped me,” says Frank Delrosso, a former cigarette smoker.
According to Statistics Canada, more than 13% of 13-24 year olds were vaping in 2021.
86% of non-smokers who take up vaping are between 12 and 24 years old.
“Flavors are a key element in the appeal of vapor products. 9 out of 10 young people tell us it’s one of the top reasons they started using these products,” said Flory Doucas, spokeswoman for the Quebec Coalition for Tobacco Control.
“If young people keep seeing flavored products, they will find a way to get them,” she adds.
The Vape Shop Alliance says if the government bans flavors, the industry could collapse.