Province to ban sales of flavoured cannabis vaping products

Nova Scotia is taking further steps to protect youth by banning the sale of flavoured cannabis vaping products when they become available in the new year.

Regulations are being prepared to prohibit the sale of cannabis vaping products that have a scent or flavour other than cannabis noticeable before or during use. No synthetic flavouring will be allowed. Packaging and labelling will also be prohibited from mentioning a flavour other than cannabis.

“Flavoured vaping products are popular among youth in Nova Scotia,” said Finance and Treasury Board Minister Karen Casey. “Given the increasing amount of vape-related illness in Canada and the US, and the negative effects cannabis can have on youth, we need to do everything we can to make sure these products do not appeal to younger Nova Scotians. “

On Oct. 17 edibles, extracts and topicals became legal in Canada. All such products are subject to a 60-day notice period by Health Canada. The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) will have a small supply of products, other than flavoured vaping products, available late December, with products gradually being added in the new year. The NSLC is the only legal retailer in Nova Scotia.

“Cannabis vaping products available through the illegal market are not subject to any regulatory controls, may be contaminated, and could pose significant health and safety risks,” said Justice Minister

Mark Furey. “All Nova Scotians are strongly encouraged not to use these products.”

The ban is part of government’s larger effort to deter youth from vaping, including the recently announced ban of flavoured e-cigarettes and juices, as well as the previous ban on flavoured cigarettes.

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