Vaping has already gained popularity among young Canadians over the past decade. Health Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research has set up an advisory board consisting of scientists, academics, researchers and health professionals to review science and evidence on vaping products. Scientific Advisory Board on Vaping Products members are experts in clinical medicine, population and public health and basic and biomedical science.
According to the 2022 Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey, 6% of Canadians aged 15 and older used vaping for the past 30 days. 14% of those young Canadians aged 15 to 19 and 20% aged 20 to 24. Some respondents reported stress relief to be the main reason for vaping. 31% of the respondents were 15 to 19 years old and 33% of the respondents were 20 to 24 years old. 44% (25 and older) of the respondents reported using vaping to reduce or quit smoking.
So, let’s dive deeper to get more insights into disposable vape pens, regulations (especially in Toronto) and other aspects of the disposable vapes in Canada.
What Are Disposable Vapes?
A disposable vape is a single use, compact, pre-filled device with a built-in battery. You need to refill and recharge a traditional reusable vape pen. A reusable vape pen requires regular cleaning and maintenance. If you are a beginner who wants to avoid the inconveniences of a reusable vape pen, a ready to use disposable vape pen is a simple alternative with no maintenance.
Both disposable and reusable vape pens are portable and easy to use. However, disposable vapes offer a hassle-free experience as you don’t need to keep a refill, or clean and maintain it. You have to disassemble a reusable vape pen to clean and maintain. You just need to use and discard a disposable vape pen.
Canadian Regulations on Disposable Vapes
Federal Regulations
The Tobacco and Vaping Products Act regulates disposable vapes in Canada. This act aims to ensure the safety of people, especially young people, using vape pens. The act regulates vapes:
- Manufacturing
- Sale
- Labelling
- Promotion
Vaping Products Labeling and Packaging Regulations
According to these regulations, a manufacturer must list all the ingredients, nicotine content and health warnings on disposable vape packages. The packaging design must be tamper-evident (opening or altering must leave a visible sign) and child-resistant to ensure no or at least minimum accidental exposure.
Vaping Products Promotion Regulations
These regulations restrict any form of advertisement or promotion that aims to attract youth. It is prohibited to use testimonials, any unverified health claims, or lifestyle branding in marketing materials.
Nicotine Concentration in Vaping Products Regulations
These regulations aim to reduce nicotine dependence, especially among new users and youth. According to the regulations, a vaping product cannot have a nicotine concentration of more than 20 mg/mL.
Vaping Products Reporting Regulations
These regulations require manufacturers and importers to regularly report emissions, ingredients and sales to Health Canada. These reports help maintain transparency. Authorities use these reports to monitor how vaping products impact public health.
Ontario Regulations
Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA)
Sales Restrictions
It is illegal to sell vaping products to Canadians under the age of 19 years. This act aims to control the distribution and access of vaping products by restricting sales to specific retail locations.
Public Use Restrictions
Vaping is prohibited in schools, health facilities, and many other indoor public spaces, such as restaurants and workplaces.
Advertising and Promotion
There are vaping products advertisement and promotion restrictions in place to prevent appealing minors. It is illegal to make misleading health claims.
Packaging and Labeling
There must be clear and visible health warnings, ingredients and information about associated risks.
Enforcement
The act provisions fines and penalties for any violation.
Toronto Regulations
The city of Toronto requires businesses and specialty vape stores selling vape products to obtain a Vapor Product Retailer business license. A business selling vape products along with other products requires to obtain a Vapor Product endorsement.
Disposable Vape Pens Quality and Safety Assurance
When you are buying disposable vapes in Toronto, make sure that the seller has obtained all the required licenses. The package must contain information about ingredients, nicotine content and warning signs. There must be no testimonials and unverified health claims on the package. Carefully read the label and ensure that the nicotine content does not exceed the allowed limit, which is 20 mg/mL. Always shop from a reputable store. Most people don’t have the habit of reading product labels. When you are buying vape, tobacco or cannabis products, you must read product labels.
Top Benefits of Disposable Vapes
Convenience
A disposable vape pen is best for a beginner as it offers an easy vaping experience out of the box. Pre-filled, ready to use disposable vapes are more convenient than reusable vapes as you don’t need to refill e-liquid, charge batteries or disassemble and assemble parts.
Portability
Both disposable and reusable vapes are portable. However, compact and lightweight designs make disposable vapes more portable. You can keep them in your pocket or travel bag. No hassle at all.
No Maintenance
No need to charge the battery, refill e-liquid, replace coils or clean tanks. Just use and discard.
Variety of Flavours
You can buy disposable THC vapes in Toronto in a wide range of flavours. From a classic tobacco flavour to menthol, you have plenty of options.
Affordable
If you vape occasionally, the disposable one is an affordable option. Also, no need to limit your flavour choices with a reusable vape kit.
No Refilling or Charging
You don’t need to carry e-liquid to refill it or a device to charge your kit.
Conclusion
Federal laws, provincial laws, and the city of Toronto make it perfectly legal to use both disposable and reusable vape pens. However, you need to make sure that you adhere to all the laws and regulations. Keep in mind that you are not allowed to purchase vape products if you are 19 years or older. There are certain indoor and outdoor public spaces where the use of vape products is strictly prohibited. Any violation of applicable laws and regulations results in significant penalties and fines. Purchase from a store that adheres to all the laws and regulations.