Mexico has enacted a constitutional ban on e-cigarettes and vaping devices to protect public health. The lower house of Congress passed the reform with an overwhelming majority, reinforcing the government’s stance on combating harmful substances.
The measure was proposed by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who highlighted the detrimental impact of these devices, especially on youth. Despite a previous presidential decree banning e-cigarettes, they remain widely accessible. In 2022, an estimated 1 million people aged 12-65 were regular users of vaping products. The reform also includes sanctions on the production and sale of illicit synthetic drugs, including fentanyl, marking a broader public health initiative.
While proponents emphasize health benefits, critics argue that coupling vaping bans with restrictions on substances like fentanyl trivializes efforts to combat more serious drug issues. The reform is now set for review in the Senate, where the ruling coalition holds significant influence
