Buryatia (Russia) Tightens Youth Vape Sale Ban

Buryatia Russia Vape Ban

Russian Republic Aligns Local Law with Federal Ban on Selling Smoking Mixtures to Minors

The Republic of Buryatia in Russia has strengthened its regulations against youth vaping, aligning local laws with federal standards to prohibit the retail sale of all types of smoking products – including tobacco-free and nicotine-free mixtures – to minors. This legislative move comes amidst growing public and official alarm over the prevalence and perceived dangers of vaping among schoolchildren.

At a recent session, the People’s Khural (Buryatia’s parliament) adopted amendments clarifying the ban on selling these products to individuals under 18 and prohibiting involving minors in their consumption. Semyon Matkheev, a committee chairman, emphasized that while Buryatia had prior restrictions, this update reinforces the rules following changes to federal law effective March 1st, aiming for more effective implementation.

The push for stricter controls is fueled by widespread concern over the health risks associated with vaping, tragically highlighted by incidents like the death of a 17-year-old girl found with vaping devices nearby earlier this year. Public forums in Buryatia frequently feature indignant posts from residents demanding action against what some call “selling poison,” citing fears of addiction, lung damage, and cancer. Parental anxiety has reportedly led some to seek unproven methods like “coding” teenagers against vaping, a practice met with skepticism by medical professionals like psychiatrist-narcologist Ruslan Glavinsky, who questioned its safety and efficacy for minors.

Educators are also voicing strong concerns, reporting widespread vaping in schools and frustration with perceived difficulties in enforcing rules or receiving adequate administrative support. Teachers describe challenges in confiscating devices and preventing access, sometimes even encountering obstacles when trying to address situations involving adults supplying vapes to students.

While Buryatia now has federally-aligned laws explicitly banning the sale of all smoking mixtures to minors, commentators and residents emphasize that effective enforcement, including raids and school-level interventions, is crucial. The consensus is that laws existing only on paper are insufficient to combat the issue, and sustained action is needed to address this public health concern.

Matthew Ma
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