Even before any bill is submitted, which the principality's government hopes to do by the end of the year, the ban on selling puff in the Principality has sparked debates in the National Council's
Chamber on Thursday evening.
Representatives from both institutions agreed: this disposable e-cigarette, sold in local tobacco shops and very popular among adolescents, remains harmful to health and the environment.
"While we have seen a decrease in tobacco use among young people, puff reintroduces a risk of addiction due to its sometimes high nicotine content, attractive sweet flavors, and disposable nature. This also leads to an addiction to the gesture," justifies Christophe Robino, Government Councillor-Minister of Social Affairs and Health.
"We're Targeting the Youth" Mathilde Le Clerc asked if the ban would also extend to consumption within the Monegasque territory, a measure advocated by her colleague, Marine Grisoul.
Christophe Robino's response: "I would rather be in favor of completely banning these disposable devices from the territory. But prohibiting consumption for adults who come to Monaco with a puff purchased in their home is a subject for discussion. This is the subject of arbitration with the Department of Finance. Here, we are targeting the youth." And Mathilde Le Clerc added: "All it takes is a few meters to obtain them from distributors near our territory..." Not to mention the ease of acquiring them online. So, how can a real impact be made on youth consumption?
"Not Everything Should Be Banned"
And what about rechargeable e-cigarettes? Will they be banned too? "There is a balance to be found," tempers Christophe Robino. "Banning everything is not good either," adds elected official Thomas Brezzo. This option is not favored by the executive branch because, argues the Government Councillor-Minister, "they paradoxically reduce tobacco consumption and have even been considered as a mode of quitting for smokers."
In Monaco, the legal age to purchase cigarettes is currently 16.
This puff-related text also provides an opportunity for the Principality's government to review a number of regulatory provisions derived from Act No. 1.346 of 9 May 2008 on protection against smoking. "I noted with horror that the ban on cigarette sales stops at 16 in Monaco, unlike 18 in most countries." This point was also raised by elected official Maryse Battaglia, who was rightly concerned about the "tobacco epidemic" among young people.
Thomas Brezzo also took the opportunity to ask "to clarify the regulations regarding CBD [cannabidiol], this hemp molecule that has no psychoactive effects and is freely available in France and Italy. "We have a lack of regulation in Monaco that can be open to interpretation. A clear text and communication would be welcome." Photo by elsaolofsson, Wikimedia commons.