Effective February 1, 2024, the legal age to purchase tobacco and vapour products in Saskatchewan increased from 18 to 19.
What is Vaping?
Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling an aerosol produced by a vaping product, such as an electronic cigarette. A liquid solution is heated until vaporized. This vapour then condenses into an aerosol, which is breathed in by the user. The liquid is often flavoured and can contain nicotine. Vaping doesn't require burning like cigarette smoking.
Vaping devices are usually battery-powered and may come with removable parts. There are various shapes, sizes, brands and names of vaping products.
Some names include:
- Mods
- Vapes
- Sub-ohms
- Vape pens
- e-cigarettes
- Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS)
Are there harms associated with vaping?
Yes. Vaping can increase exposure to harmful chemicals, and the long-term consequences of vaping are unknown. Vaping increases the risk of nicotine dependence and addiction. Nicotine can alter teen brain development, affect memory and concentration. The level of nicotine in vapour product varies.
Can vapour products help youth to quit smoking cigarettes?
It is not safe for youth to use any nicotine products. If you suspect your child is addicted to tobacco or nicotine-containing vapour products, talk to your health care provider.
What is the legal status of vapour products in Saskatchewan?
As of February 1, 2020, The Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act regulates vapour products in the same manner as tobacco products. For example:
- Vapour products are not to be sold or provided to youth under 18 years of age; and
- Use of vapour products will not be permitted on school property or in vehicles with persons under 16 years of age, or in places where smoking is prohibited.
As of September 1, 2021, the Act placed additional restrictions on flavoured vapour products, limiting the sale of most flavours to age-restricted, specialty vape shops.
Is youth vaping a problem in Saskatchewan?
Saskatchewan has one of the highest rates of vapour product use among youth in grades 7-12, as reported in the federal government's 2018-19 Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drug survey. Our government is committed to reducing youth smoking and vaping rates and we are using legislation as a means to reduce youth access to vapour products.
What can I do as a parent?
Model positive behaviours and engage in open and honest conversation with your child. When talking with your child, be patient and listen. Try to avoid using language with judgment or criticism. Understand this may come up more than once.
It is never too late to quit smoking or vaping.
More information is available at:
Health Canada: Talking With Your Teen About Vaping
Canadian Cancer Society: Smokers' Helpline
Sources:
Health Canada, Canadian Student Tobacco, Alcohol and Drug survey 2018-19