Costa Rican authorities announced on Tuesday that they will prohibit products containing synthetic nicotine in the country, targeting that substance used in smoking containers for vaporizers and e-cigarettes. This resolution will prohibit the sale, use, commercialization, advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of vaping liquids containing synthetic nicotine and cannabinoids, indicated the Ministry of Health in a statement. <\/p>\n
It will also affect products that have incorporated cannabinoid-type liquids because they represent a health risk, it added. The provision will be in effect while the government prepares a reform of the law that regulates this area and that type of device. <\/p>\n
According to data from the portfolio, since 2021 a total of 3,170 people were treated in Costa Rican public health centers with diagnoses related to vaping. Of the total, 40% were registered in 2024. <\/p>\n
In November 2023, the first case in Costa Rica of a 16-year-old person with a lung injury associated with the use of e-cigarettes after vaping for three months was confirmed. <\/p>\n
The National Anti-Tobacco Network (Renata) reacted positively to the decision in a statement and highlighted that they applaud the government for the new regulation. <\/p>\n
Costa Rica could be on the verge of experiencing a next epidemic of vaping patients, they argued. From the commerce side, they consider it an injustice, said Michael Araya, owner of the La Pegona chain of smokers stores. <\/p>\n
Im totally frustrated, he said. A lot of people are going to be out of work, continuing in a smoke shop without selling smoking products doesnt make sense, a very hard blow to all the investment, Araya added. <\/p>\n
On the street, vaporizer consumers like Vivian Garca consider it less harmful than conventional tobacco, which is not prohibited. Non-smokers like Kasey Oporto are happy not to have to inhale the smoke that vapers release on public roads. <\/p>\n
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned in a December 2023 report that urgent control measures for e-cigarettes are needed as they do not help to quit smoking and there is alarming evidence that they harm health. E-cigarettes with nicotine are harmful to health and highly addictive, the WHO said in its report. <\/p>\n
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Costa Rica Bans Synthetic Nicotine in Vaping Products : - The Tico Times<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Costa Rican authorities announced on Tuesday that they will prohibit products containing synthetic nicotine in the country, targeting that substance used in smoking containers for vaporizers and e-cigarettes. This resolution will prohibit the sale, use, commercialization, advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of vaping liquids containing synthetic nicotine and cannabinoids, indicated the Ministry of Health in a statement. Continue reading