Through a constitutional amendment, the Mexican Chamber of Deputies banned the production, distribution, and sale of vapes and related products, and will adjust the relevant legal framework by the new law.
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies Approves New Bill to Strictly Ban Illegal Use of Vapes
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies passed a bill that would ban the illegal use of fentanyl and vapes in the constitution, with 410 votes, 24 against,t and zero abstentions on the same day.
Former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador was one of 20 proposals put forward by the Constitutional amendment during his term in office. Previously, “2022,” according to the annual National Continuing Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, vape utilization among adolescents was 2.6 percent and 1.5 percent among adults. In addition, the Federal Committee for Health Risk Protection says that as of 2022, about 5 million people have used vapes, and 975,000 are regular users.
Given these data and their adverse effects on health, the Chamber of Deputies decided to add several provisions to articles 4 and 5 of the Constitution of the United Mexican States. The new bill makes clear that the law will impose sanctions on all activities related to vapes and other similar electronic systems or devices designated by law, including the production, distribution, and sale of these products. Occupations, industries, domestic and foreign trade, work, or other activities related to these substances are expressly prohibited.
Once the bill goes into effect, Mexico’s federal Congress will have 180 days to adjust its legal framework to bring it in line with the law. The legislatures of Mexico’s 32 states have 365 natural days after the promulgation of the bill to adjust the corresponding laws and regulations.
The bill does not allow for additional financial resources, and once the bill goes into effect, the resulting costs will be covered by the budget allowed in the current fiscal year.
