Navigating the landscape of vaping regulations across Canada is a crucial undertaking for both seasoned vapers and those new to the world of electronic cigarettes. In our comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricate web of provincial regulations that govern the use, sale, and distribution of vaping products.
From the vibrant streets of Vancouver to the serene landscapes of Newfoundland and Labrador, understanding the diverse set of rules and policies is paramount. Join us on a journey through each province as we break down the current vaping laws, ensuring you stay informed and compliant in this evolving regulatory environment. Whether you’re a resident, a visitor, or an industry professional, this article is your definitive guide to vaping regulations spanning every corner of the Great White North.
It is important to note that these laws include the prior and latest updates, up until December 2023.
Vaping Laws in Alberta
Alberta, renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery and dynamic cities such as Calgary, Edmonton, and Banff, offers a diverse backdrop for residents and visitors alike. To ensure responsible vaping within the province, here is a concise overview of vaping laws in Alberta:
- The legal vaping age in Alberta is 18 years old; individuals must be 18 or older to purchase vape products.
- Provincial law generally allows vaping wherever smoking is permitted. However, check local regulations, as certain municipalities may impose additional restrictions.
- E-liquids have a maximum nicotine concentration cap of 20mg/mL.
- Online sales of vape products are open to adults aged 18 and above, with age verification required upon delivery.
- Alberta enforces a flavor ban on vaping products.
- Prohibited locations include hospital properties (including buildings, grounds, and parking areas), child care facility properties, school properties (including buildings, grounds, and parking areas), workplaces, public spaces, public vehicles, and vehicles with minors present.
- Local health authorities enforce vaping regulations in Alberta, and non-compliance may lead to fines.
For a more detailed information, check out the Alberta’s official page for vaping and smoking laws.
https://www.alberta.ca/reducing-smoking-and-vaping-rules-and-enforcement
Vaping Laws British Columbia
Known for its magnificent natural landscapes, British Columbia is Canada’s westernmost province. As a BC vaper, it’s important to understand the provincial laws around vaping:
- The legal age for purchasing vapour products in British Columbia is 19 years.
- Acceptable forms of identification for purchasing these products include a passport, driver’s license with photo and birthdate, or an identification card issued by a government agency with photo and birthdate.
- Various definitions are provided regarding where vapour products are not to be sold, including definitions for “building or structure,” “campus,” and “public body.”
- Certain places are exempt from the prohibition, such as healthcare providers’ spaces, government-leased areas, and certain designated spaces within retail premises.
- Restrictions are specified for smoking or using vapour products near doorways, windows, or air intakes, with a prescribed distance of 6 meters. However, transit shelters are exempt from this rule.
- Patios associated with public places are exempt from smoking and vapour product restrictions under specific conditions.
- Exemptions exist for persons in care or residents in designated areas within care facilities, hotels, and for sampling e-substances within specific conditions.
- The Act and regulations prescribe certain provisions for administrative penalties, including prohibitions, display or promotion of vapor products, minimum package size, and warning signs.
- The administrator enforces administrative penalties through orders and notices, and these penalties must be paid by specified methods.
Check out the official page of British Columbia on vaping laws if you want more information.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/keeping-bc-healthy-safe/tobacco-vapour
Vaping Laws in Manitoba
Located at the heart of Canada, Manitoba boasts pristine lakes, vibrant cities like Winnipeg and Brandon, and diverse landscapes.
As a vaper in Manitoba, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with provincial vaping regulations:
Sales Restrictions:
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Selling tobacco and vapor products to individuals under 18 is illegal.
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Smoking and vaping are prohibited in:
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Enclosed public places.
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Indoor workplaces.
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Group living facilities.
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Public vehicles.
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Vehicles with children under 16.
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Beaches and playgrounds in provincial parks.
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Outdoor patios (specifically in Winnipeg).
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According to By-law No. 62/2011 in Winnipeg:
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Smoking and vaping are not allowed on outdoor patios.
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Within 30 meters of the playing area during youth athletic events.
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On playgrounds.
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Within 30 meters of swimming pools, wading pools, spray pads, or spray parks owned or operated by the City of Winnipeg.
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On the premises of primary, middle, or secondary schools (public or private).
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On the premises of healthcare facilities.
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Within 8 meters from an outdoor entrance providing access to healthcare facilities, City of Winnipeg workplaces, or Winnipeg Regional Health Authority workplaces.
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Thompson and Steinbach have additional local laws restricting smoking. Residents are encouraged to consult their town council to be informed about specific by-laws in their area.
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Fines for violating vaping laws begin at $100 for a first offense and can reach up to $500 for subsequent violations.
For more details, visit Manotba’s official page for vaping laws.
https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/archive/s150(2021-05-19)e.php?df=2019-06-03
Vaping Laws in New Brunswick
Known for its rocky shores, winding rivers and Acadian culture, New Brunswick is a beautiful east coast province. As a vaper here, it’s important to know the provincial vaping regulations:
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The minimum age to vape is 19 in New Brunswick. Valid ID is required to purchase vape products.
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Vaping is generally permitted where smoking is allowed, but some municipalities have additional restrictions.
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The maximum nicotine concentration allowed for retail e-liquids is 20mg/mL.
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Online sales to adults 19+ are legal with age verification at delivery.
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Fines for violating vaping laws start at $200-$400 for a first offense.
Check out the official page of New Burnswick below for further details.
Vaping Laws in Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories is a vast, rugged northern territory known for its Aboriginal cultures, Aurora Borealis viewings, and outdoor adventure. With a small population of around 45,000, here are the key vaping laws in the Northwest Territories:
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The legal vaping age is 25+ in the Northwest Territories.
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It is illegal to sell flavoured vaping products, except those that only impart a flavour of tobacco.
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Vaping products cannot be sold in certain prohibited places like schools, childcare facilities, hospitals, etc.
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Retailers must verify the age of anyone appearing under 25 before selling vaping products.
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Providing vaping products to minors is prohibited.
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Minors are prohibited from purchasing, possessing or using vaping products.
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Vaping is prohibited in many public places like workplaces, healthcare facilities, schools, public transit, apartment buildings, restaurants, parks, etc.
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Vaping is prohibited around building entrances and exits out to a certain distance.
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Advertising and promotion of vaping products is restricted and prohibited in certain locations.
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Vaping product shops are exempt from some advertising rules if minors are prohibited and ads are not visible from outside.
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There are a range of offences and fines for individuals and corporations who contravene the laws on selling, advertising, promoting or using vaping products.
For a deep dive in to vaping laws in Northwest Territories, check out this official document.
Vaping Laws in Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province located in the Maritimes region, is known for its tranquil beaches, laidback lifestyle, and Anne of Green Gables tourism. Here are the key vaping laws and regulations in Prince Edward Island:
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Flavored Tobacco: Selling tobacco or electronic smoking devices with prescribed flavoring agents is prohibited.
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Age Restrictions: Sales or supply of tobacco or electronic smoking devices to individuals under 21 years are prohibited.
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Proof of Age: Sellers must verify age using prescribed identification methods.
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Designated Places: Prohibited in hospitals, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, recreational facilities, theatres, video arcades, amusement parks, pharmacies, and specific retail stores.
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Tobacconist Shop Sales: Electronic smoking devices can only be sold in tobacconist shops.
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Vending Machines, Displays, and Advertising:
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Vending Machines: Prohibited in places owned or occupied by individuals.
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Display Restrictions: Tobacco and electronic smoking devices cannot be openly displayed in retail places, ensuring visibility only when purchased.
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Advertising Regulations: Strict limitations on advertising or promoting tobacco and electronic smoking devices.
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Required Signs:
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Tobacco: Retailers must display signs concerning tobacco sales and health effects as per regulations.
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Electronic Smoking Devices: Similar regulations apply to electronic smoking devices.
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Suspension Notices: If a retail vendor’s license is suspended, a specific notice must be posted as provided by an inspector.
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General Regulations:
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Civil Liability: Individuals reporting violations in good faith are protected from civil action.
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Obstruction: Obstructing inspectors or failing to cooperate is prohibited.
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Offences and Penalties: Penalties for violations include fines ranging from $250 to $5,000, depending on the offense.
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Regulations Authority: The Lieutenant Governor in Council can make regulations regarding acceptable forms of identification, flavoring agents, signage, classes of retail stores, notices, advertising, and other necessary matters related to the Act.
We have summarized all the important regulations here, but if you want to learn more about nitty gritties of the vaping laws in Price Edward Island, check out their official page below.
Vaping Laws in Saskatchewan
Centrally located amongst the prairies, Saskatchewan is known for its beautiful lakes, forests and rolling farmland. As a vaper here, it’s important to know the provincial vaping regulations:
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The minimum vaping age is 19 in Saskatchewan. Valid photo ID is required as age verification.
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Vaping is permitted where smoking is allowed under provincial law, but some municipalities have additional restrictions.
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The maximum allowed nicotine concentration for retail e-liquids is 20mg/mL.
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Online sales to adults 19+ are legal with age verification at delivery.
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Fines for violating vaping laws can range from $100 up to $10,000.
For more info on vaping laws in Saskatchewan, check out their official page below.
Vaping Laws in Yukon
Yukon is Canada’s westernmost territory known for the Klondike Gold Rush, Northern Lights, and outdoor adventures. With a population around 40,000, here are the key vaping laws in Yukon:
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The new Tobacco and Vaping Products Control and Regulation Act regulates the use, sale, display and promotion of vaping products similar to tobacco products.
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The minimum age to purchase tobacco and vaping products is now 19 years old.
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Providing or selling tobacco or vaping products to those under 19 is illegal.
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“No vaping” signs must now be posted along with “no smoking” signs in public places and workplaces.
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Vaping is prohibited in all the same public places as smoking, including restaurants, bars, transit shelters, offices, etc.
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Vaping is prohibited in vehicles used for work or with minors under 19 present.
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Vaping is prohibited within 5 metres of doorways, windows, and air intakes of public places and workplaces.
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Retailers cannot display or promote vaping products in places where youth are present.
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Hotel rooms can be designated as smoking or vaping rooms.
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Employers cannot allow employees to vape at work or in work vehicles with 2 or more people.
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Building owners/managers must post no vaping signs and stop people from vaping inside.
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Vaping on school grounds is prohibited.
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The Act allows for designated outdoor smoking/vaping areas away from building entrances.
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Environmental health officers enforce the law, provide guidance, and investigate complaints.
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Nicotine e-liquid is restricted to a maximum concentration of 20mg/mL.
For detailed information, you can visit the Yukon’s official site below.
https://yukon.ca/en/tvpcra#whats-new
Vaping Laws in Quebec
Quebec, the largest province in Canada, has a rich cultural heritage and vibrant cities like Montreal, Quebec City, and Gatineau. As a Quebec vaper, stay up to date on provincial vaping laws:
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The legal vaping age is 18+. You must be 18+ to buy vape products.
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Vaping is generally allowed where smoking is permitted, but check local regulations as municipalities may have restrictions.
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E-liquids with nicotine up to 20mg/mL are allowed for sale
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Online sales to 18+ are permitted with age verification at delivery.
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Vaping regulations are enforced by health authorities. Violations may result in fines.
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Flavoured Vaping Products: The sale of vaping products with flavours other than tobacco will be prohibited in Quebec starting from October 31, 2023.
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Nicotine Concentration: The maximum nicotine concentration of all vaping products sold in the province will be limited to 20 mg/ml.
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Tank and Liquid Volume: Tanks and pods will be limited to two millilitres, and vape liquid refill containers will have a maximum volume of 30 millilitres.
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Packaging Regulations: Certain information must be displayed on vaping products and their packaging to make them less appealing to young clients.
Here is an article in French to better explain the flavour ban in Quebec.
Due to flavour ban, you can buy no flavour e liquid.
For a deep dive on vaping regulations, you can visit Quebec’s official page below.
Vaping Laws in Ontario
Ontario is the second largest province in Canada with a population of over 14 million. It is known for its vast landscapes and major cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Niagara Falls. As a vaper in Ontario, stay up to date on the provincial vaping laws including:
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The legal vaping age is 19. You must be 19 or older to purchase vape products.
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Restrictions in Public Places: Many municipalities in Ontario have passed bylaws restricting vaping in public places such as parks, beaches, trails, and transit facilities.
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Distance Restrictions: Most municipalities prohibit vaping within 9 meters of municipal building entrances and exits. Some extend this restriction to 20 meters around parks, playgrounds, and recreation facilities.
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Expansion of Provincial Laws: Vaping is already prohibited in all enclosed workplaces and public places across Ontario under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. Municipal bylaws expand these restrictions to outdoor spaces, going beyond provincial regulations.
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Designated Vaping Areas: Some municipal bylaws allow designated vaping areas as exceptions to the general prohibition.
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Prohibition of Other Substances: Bylaws often prohibit smoking tobacco and cannabis in the same spaces where vaping is restricted.
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Enforcement and Penalties: Enforcement of these bylaws is carried out by municipal bylaw officers and public health inspectors. Violators can face fines and other penalties as a consequence.
Visit the official site of Ontario below to learn more about these laws in detail.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/rules-selling-tobacco-and-vapour-products
Vaping Laws in Nunavut
Nunavut is Canada’s expansive northern territory known for its breathtaking scenery, Inuit culture, and rugged wilderness. With a population around 39,000, here are the vaping laws in Nunavut:
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It is illegal to sell flavoured vaping products or products that contain flavouring agents.
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Retailers cannot sell vaping products in certain prohibited places like schools, childcare facilities, hospitals, pharmacies, restaurants, and parks.
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Retail stores are the only places where vaping products can be sold; online sales with delivery are prohibited.
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Vape shops are restricted to selling only vaping products, related accessories, and publications. They cannot have seating, serve food, employ minors, etc.
- Vape shops can advertise and promote vaping products, but advertising and promotion are prohibited elsewhere.
- Many public places, including workplaces, schools, healthcare facilities, public transit, apartment buildings, restaurants, bars, and parks, prohibit vaping.
- Regulations prohibit vaping around building entrances and windows, extending to a prescribed buffer zone distance.
- Public housing providers prohibit vaping in private dwellings they rent out.
- Retailers must verify the age of anyone appearing under 25 before selling vaping products. Providing products to minors is illegal.
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There are a range of offences and maximum fines for individuals and corporations who contravene the laws around selling, advertising, promoting or using vaping products.
For further info about vaping laws in Nunavut, check out their official documents here below.
https://www.nunavuthousing.ca/docs/Questions-and-Answers-May-31-2023-Tobacco-and-Smoking-Act.pdf
Vaping Laws in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia’s stunning coastlines and welcoming communities are well-known.To ensure you enjoy vaping responsibly in Nova Scotia, here’s some essential information:
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The legal vaping age in Nova Scotia is 19. You must be 19 or older to purchase vape products.
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Provincial law typically permits vaping wherever smoking is allowed. However, it’s advisable to verify local regulations, as some municipalities may have additional restrictions.
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E-liquids are available in a range of nicotine concentrations, including freebase and nicotine salts, up to 20mg/mL.
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Online sales of vape products are open to adults aged 19 and above, with age verification upon delivery.
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There is a flavour ban on all vaping products
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Local health authorities enforce vaping regulations in Nova Scotia, and non-compliance may lead to fines.
Visit the official page of Nova Scotia for more information.
https://novascotia.ca/vaping/#:~:text=As%20of%201%20April%202020,the%20Smoke%2Dfree%20Places%20Act.
Vaping Laws in Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. With a population of 533,710, this province is home to vapers from all walks of life. To ensure you enjoy vaping responsibly in Newfoundland and Labrador, here are the vaping laws for this province:
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The legal vaping age in Newfoundland and Labrador is 19. You must be 19 or older to purchase vape products.
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There is a flavour ban on all vaping products.
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In general, provincial law permits vaping wherever smoking is allowed. However, it’s advisable to verify local regulations, as some municipalities may have additional restrictions.
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E-liquids are available in a range of nicotine concentrations, including freebase and nicotine salts, up to 20mg/mL.
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Online sales of vape products are open to adults aged 19 and above, with age verification upon delivery.
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Local health authorities enforce vaping regulations in Newfoundland and Labrador, and non-compliance may lead to fines.
For more information, you can check out the official document Newfoundland and Labrador vaping laws below.
https://assembly.nl.ca/legislation/sr/statutes/t04-1.htm
