Mexico Deputies Approve General Vape Ban, Debate User Penalties
With 324 votes in favor and 129 against, Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies has approved in general terms a reform to the General Health Law that prohibits electronic cigarettes, vapes, and similar devices. The legislation introduces severe penalties, including prison sentences ranging from one to eight years and fines of up to 2,000 UMAs (approximately 226,280 pesos), for those involved in the production, distribution, sale, or commercialization of these products.
The approval sparked intense debate, particularly regarding the potential criminalization of individual users. Opposition parties (PAN, PRI, and Movimiento Ciudadano) voted against the measure, arguing that the original text’s vague wording could lead to abuses. PAN deputy Éctor Jaime RamÃrez Barba warned, “With this opinion, they want to imprison those who carry a vape,” while PRI’s Rubén Moreira cautioned about potential injustices. Critics also pointed to the incongruity of prioritizing vape sanctions over addressing ongoing medication shortages.
Defending the bill, Pedro Mario Zenteno (Morena), president of the Health Commission, clarified that the sanctions are aimed solely at commercial activities. “The individual consumer will not be sanctioned; the sanction falls only on those who intend to acquire these devices for the purpose of commercialization, distribution, or profit,” he stated. PT deputy Margarita GarcÃa GarcÃa reinforced this, asserting that personal use and possession are not penalized.
To address concerns and clarify the law’s intent, Morena coordinator Ricardo Monreal announced a reservation to Article 282 Quater. This amendment aims to explicitly exempt consumption and possession from the prohibition, ensuring the ban applies strictly to commercial activities. The initiative adds Article 282, banning a wide range of activities related to vapes nationwide, including importation and transport for commercial purposes. The discussion on specific details and reservations is ongoing before the bill moves to the Senate.
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