Canada reconsiders flavour ban as research highlights smoking cessation benefits

Emerging data from provinces like Quebec and Nova Scotia, where vape flavour bans are already in place, show a troubling rise in black market activity and increased access for minors. Now, new research has prompted Canadian health authorities to reconsider a proposed nationwide ban on flavoured vaping products.

A study led by smoking cessation expert Professor David Sweanor analysed data from 1,771 Canadian adults who smoke or previously smoked. The findings reveal that 68% of those who successfully switched to vaping relied on flavoured products, particularly fruit flavours. Between 2020 and 2022, one in five adults trying to quit smoking turned to vaping as a cessation tool.

Researchers warn that banning flavours could reduce the appeal of lower-risk alternatives, making it harder for smokers to transition. Instead, they advocate for risk-proportionate regulation and taxation rather than outright bans.

Public health experts, including Sweanor, have welcomed Health Canada’s decision to prioritise science over ideology in shaping tobacco harm reduction policies.