Global News: ‘Vape bans or buffer zones’: The call to regulate vaping

By Emily Lazatin
Global News
September 18, 2019

"We would like to see [shops] a certain distance away from schools," Boomer said. "We'd also like to see a cap on retail authorizations that are permitted, in the same way that they are likely going to be limiting the number of cannabis shops as well as locations proximity to locations to other shops, as well."

Meanwhile, Menn Biagtan with the B.C. Lung Association would like to see detailed labels on products like e-cigarettes.

“There are thousands of e-juices available, there are people who are modifying the apparatus," Biagtan said. "There should be proper labelling, proper identification of ingredients and health warnings.”

Under current regulations, vaping ads are not allowed to appeal to youth, but health advocates say that doesn't go far enough.

As for as banning flavored e-cigarettes like the U.S. is considering, B.C.’s health minister, Adrian Dix, says that's largely Ottawa's call.

"Time for them to step up and take action," Dix said. "That's the particular place where that part of the issue is dealt with."

'It's going to kill the industry'  

Stacey White, co-owner of Vancouver based Thunderbird Vapes, isn't opposed to tighter laws.

"Proximity to schools kind of makes sense," White says. "When we were looking at retail spaces, we were mindful of not being too close to high schools or community centres or things that would feel uncomfortable to people."

But she is opposed to a ban on flavoured e-cigarettes

"It will kill the industry, because people who use the product want it to taste good," she said. "It tastes better than a cigarette; that's part of the reason people will pick it up and put down their cigarette."

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