Costa Rica to Ban Synthetic Nicotine Products
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Costa Rican authorities have announced their intent to prohibit vaping, e-cigarette and other tobacco products containing synthetic nicotine in the country.
A proposed resolution will prohibit the “sale, use, commercialization, advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of vaping liquids containing synthetic nicotine and cannabinoids,” the Ministry of Health wrote in a statement.
It will also affect products that “have incorporated cannabinoid-type liquids” because they “represent a health risk,” according to the statement.
The provision will be in effect while the government prepares to reform the law regulating next-generation tobacco products and electronic nicotine delivery systems.
The National Anti-Tobacco Network (Renata) reacted positively to the decision in a statement, highlighting that it “applauds” the government for the new regulation.
“Costa Rica could be on the verge of experiencing a next epidemic of vaping patients,” they argued.
Retailers call the proposal an “injustice,” said Michael Araya, owner of the La Pegona chain of smokers’ stores, according to a media report.
“I’m totally frustrated,” he said. “A lot of people are going to be out of work; continuing in a smoke shop without selling smoking products doesn’t make sense, a very hard blow to all the investment,” Araya added.
