Mexico's Chamber of Deputies has approved a reform to the General Health Law that prohibits the commercialization of electronic cigarettes and vapes, but explicitly exempts users from sanctions for possession and personal consumption. The amendment passed with 292 votes in favor, primarily from the ruling Morena party and its allies, against 163 opposition votes.
A crucial modification, introduced by Morena coordinator Ricardo Monreal, clarified that the law targets the production and distribution market rather than individual consumers. "If a person is consuming or even has one or two electronic cigarettes in their possession, it is not a crime and no person will be sanctioned," Monreal explained. The amendment to Article 282 specifies that while acquisition for commercial purposes is banned nationwide, personal consumption and possession are excepted. This aims to dismantle the profitable industry without criminalizing users.
The reform also broadens the definition of prohibited devices to include disposable vapes and various substances like gels and resins. Opposition parties argued that the ban would cede the market to organized crime and drug cartels, potentially leading to the sale of unregulated and dangerous products. Despite heated debate, including accusations of hypocrisy and "legislating on the fly," the measure moves forward with the stated goal of protecting public health, particularly that of youth.
