Quintana Roo Moves to Ban Vape Sales to Minors

Quintana Roo, Mexico — In an unprecedented move for the state, the Quintana Roo Congress has received a legislative initiative seeking to reform local laws to classify the distribution, sale, or promotion of electronic cigarettes to children and adolescents as corruption of minors. The proposal, introduced by Deputy Hugo Alday Nieto, aims to curb youth vaping, which he described as a "gateway to nicotine addiction."

Initiative Targets Youth Vaping Epidemic

During the presentation of the bill, Alday Nieto emphasized that the measure seeks to halt the rising consumption of vaping devices among young people, framing it as an act of modern violence and a direct threat to public health. The initiative proposes amendments to Article 13 of the State Constitution and Article 191 of the Penal Code to impose penalties on those who promote these devices to minors.

The deputy noted that the reform aligns with a federal decree published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación on January 17, 2025, which prohibits all activities related to vaping products. The federal measure reinforces the right to health protection, now being adopted at the state level.

Alarming Statistics Underpin Legislative Push

Alday Nieto cited concerning data from the National Survey on Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Consumption (ENCODAT), which revealed that between 2016 and 2017, 6.5% of Mexican adolescents aged 12 to 17 admitted to trying e-cigarettes. More than 160,000 minors reported being habitual users, raising alarms among health authorities due to the potential for nicotine addiction.

Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) warn that vaping devices contain heavy metals, nicotine, and carcinogenic compounds, which particularly harm the developing brains of children and adolescents. Early use of these devices triples the likelihood of transitioning to conventional cigarettes and has been linked to anxiety disorders, depression, and lung damage.

"The sale of vapes to minors is not negligence—it is a deliberate commercialization of the health of those who cannot yet speak for themselves. This initiative is not just about punishment; it’s about prevention," stated the deputy.

Next Steps for the Proposal

The bill has been referred to the Congress’s Justice Commission for review, with detailed analysis expected in upcoming sessions. If passed, the reform would mark a significant step in Quintana Roo’s efforts to safeguard youth from the dangers of vaping.