Mexico Senate Bans Vapes Amid Heated Debate

Mexico City — In a session marked by tensions between Morena and the opposition, the Senate of the Republic approved reforms to the General Health Law that completely prohibit the production, marketing, import, and export of electronic cigarettes, vapes, and similar devices throughout the country. The vote closed with 76 votes in favor and 37 against, and the bill was sent to the federal Executive for promulgation.

The reform also bans any form of advertising or promotion of these products in print, digital, radio, television, or any other format. It also strengthens public health actions against the risks posed by these devices, especially among teenagers.

The president of the Commission of Legislative Studies, Manuel Huerta Ladrón de Guevara, defended the measure by pointing to the rapid increase in the use of vapes among young people. He emphasized that these devices contain nicotine and other toxic substances that damage lungs and the cardiovascular system.

“The State does not invade private life; it fulfills its obligation to prevent risks,” he stated, clarifying that the prohibition does not criminalize young people, but those who distribute harmful products.

Opposition Against: “They Will Strengthen Organized Crime”

The parliamentary groups of PAN, PRI, and Movimiento Ciudadano voted against, considering that the prohibition will not solve the problem. PAN member Gina Gerardina Campuzano warned that the market will fall into the hands of organized crime: “With this law, they are signing a blank check for crime to poison our youth.”

PRI senator Carolina Viggiano described the reform as “confusing” and lacking technical evidence, accusing Morena of pushing an initiative that “is a black box.”

For MC, senator Luis Donaldo Colosio warned that the prohibition fosters the illegal market and recalled that restrictions have also not prevented the sale of cigarettes to minors.

PAN member Mayuli Latifa Rodríguez even proposed declaring drug cartels as terrorist groups, in reference to the effects the prohibition could have.

Morena Defends the Initiative

In response, Huerta Ladrón de Guevara emphasized that the reform not only prohibits sales but also proposes greater oversight against illegal trade, prevention campaigns for young people, and cessation programs for adult smokers.

PVEM senator Rocío Corona Nakamura maintained that the prohibition seeks to stop a “silent epidemic” fueled by attractive flavors and eye-catching devices. She cited WHO data revealing that vapes contain “more than 200 toxic substances,” including nicotine, heavy metals, and carcinogenic compounds.

Reform Advances Without Changes

The reservations presented by the opposition were rejected and the bill sent by the Chamber of Deputies was approved without modifications, amid a verbal exchange between Miguel Ángel Yunes and Marko Cortés.

With this vote, the Senate closed the first period of the second year of the legislature, although the governing board left open the possibility of calling an extraordinary session before December 15 in case of emergency.