Today’s youth is on the front line of receiving information about the newest world trends. Their accessibility to information of any kind, anywhere, makes them leaders in introducing and popularization of the modern world’s amenities. Therefore, even the great pleasures that were once accessible to adults only, are rapidly taking over the young crowds.
The world’s ongoing changes, the legalization of marijuana in many countries in the world, the popularization of vaping and vaping devices are all driven by the young crowds. Although, vaping is a safe and convenient smoking alternative, the big popularity among the most critical age group of teenagers is becoming a great concern.
When it comes to youngsters, vaping is very closely linked to marijuana smoking, as the researches show how they most commonly use vape pens to consume marijuana. However, vaping in general is also not legal in many countries in the world. Moreover, many countries still don’t have any regulations on vaping and vape devices, while others that have legalized vaping have set the age limit for consuming, possessing and buying vape devices and e-juices. The legal age for possessing and using e-cigarette in most countries is the same legal age for other narcotics and alcohol, hence the age at which citizens are considered adults.
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Legal Age and vaping Laws in different World Countries
Vaping doesn’t necessarily mean inhaling nicotine, hence there are nicotine free e-juices for the individuals that want all the sensation with zero harm. Although, there are e-liquids that are nicotine-free, in many countries they are also considered as tobacco products. Moreover, this means that there are no exceptions in laws that regulate vaping, no matter if it is nicotine free or not. This is understandable considering the fact that appealing flavors may be the reason teenagers and minors reach to try vaping, therefore leading to developing a smoking habit. The vaping restrictions and regulation are equally applicable on both nicotine and nicotine-free vaping products. You can find plenty of products in vape shop online canada.
Here are the age restriction laws of the countries in the world.
U.S.A.
Vaping devices and e-liquids are considered equal with tobacco products and fall under the federal age-restriction law that prohibits their use for young people considered minors.
- Alabama, Alaska, and Utah have – 19+
- 21+ in California, Maine, Virginia, Hawaii, Oregon, Massachusetts and New Jersey.
- In every other U.S. state and territory the age 18+.
Australia
Significant limitations in some states in Australia permit the usage of e-liquids containing nicotine. The nicotine free e-liquids and e-cigarettes can be sold and used around the country.
The legal age to purchase and use vaporizers is 18+.
New Zealand
New Zealand is very vaping friendly. They have legalized and encouraged the use of vaporizers and e-liquids, with an age limitation of 18+.
European Union
European Union has also classified vaping products as tobacco products and they fall in the same legalization laws as for tobacco. This means they are illegal for underage people. Moreover, this means that vaping is prohibited for young people under the age of 18 for every country in the European Union.
United Kingdom regulations allow the use, sale and advertising
of e-cigarettes. The age limit for selling e-cigs and liquids is 18+.
E-cigarettes are not covered by laws restricting smoking in public places.
Countries in Europe that have no strict vaping regulations:
Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Gibraltar, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine.
Lichtenstein has set a lower age limit of 16+.
Countries that have banned Vaping
Some countries in the world have issued absolute ban of the use of e-cigarettes and e-liquids. Here is the list:
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Thailand
- Nepal
- Panama
- Kuwait
- Qatar
- United Arab Emirates
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Bahrain
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Vaping THC
Vape pens are very discreet and convenient devices to use for vaping marijuana. Depending on the device, sometimes it can be totally odorless. There are two primary ways of vaping marijuana that are currently popular: vaping THC oil or vaping cannabis plant matter. Inserting a small amount of cannabis plant into the device, it will be heated up to the point of burning the psychoactive component and provide the “high” sensation. However, people nowadays prefer to use THC oils since most devices are designed to be used with e-liquids. However, vaping THC oil provides the possibility to easily regulate the THC concentration.
The legalization of vaping THC is primarily linked to the legalization of the use of marijuana in general. Countries that have legalized the use of the marijuana-based products allow the sell and use of the THC e-liquids. Moreover, as mentioned before, countries that have banned or restricted the use of the vaping devices altogether, consider vaping THC as illegal. As the popularity of marijuana as a treatment for some diseases is growing, some countries have allowed the use of THC only with a doctor prescription.
Although, vaping THC is forbidden for people that are considered minors, studies show that teenagers and adolescents use marijuana more than ever. Given the fact that is easily obtainable through online purchasing, youngsters consume THC trough vape devices.
Is it really a bad thing adolescents are smoking marijuana more than ever? Other than smoking, studies show that they are a sober bunch. Today’s youth are very smart and informed crowd and they don’t see any risk of smoking marijuana. Luckily, other drugs aren’t very popular these days and along with that extreme alcohol use rate has decreased also.