Costa Rica Bans Synthetic Nicotine

The authorities in Costa Rica announced that they are going to "prohibit products containing synthetic nicotine" in the country, targeting that substance used in vaping devices and electronic cigarettes.

This resolution will prohibit the "sale, use, marketing, advertising, promotion and sponsorship of vaping liquids containing synthetic nicotine and cannabinoids," the Ministry of Health said in a statement.

It will also affect products that "have incorporated cannabinoid-type liquids" because "they represent a health risk," it added.

The provision will be in effect while the government prepares a reform of the law regulating this sector and such devices.

According to data from the ministry, since 2021 a total of 3,170 people have been treated at Costa Rican public health centers with "diagnoses related to vaping."

Of the total, 40% were registered in 2024.

In November 2023, the first case in Costa Rica of a 16-year-old person with a lung injury associated with the use of electronic cigarettes was confirmed after vaping for three months.

The National Anti-Tobacco Network reacted positively to the decision in a statement and highlighted that they "applaud" the government for the new regulation.

"Costa Rica could be on the brink of experiencing the next vaping illness epidemic," they argued.

On the street, vaping consumers consider it "less harmful" than conventional tobacco, which is not prohibited.

Non-smokers like Kasey Oporto are happy to not have to inhale the smoke that vapers release in public spaces.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned in a December 2023 report that "urgent measures to control electronic cigarettes are needed" since "they do not help quit smoking and there is alarming evidence that they harm health."

"Nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes are harmful to health and highly addictive," WHO said in its report.