Rising teen vaping trend in the Guelph area raises concern

In the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph area, public health experts report that the trend of vaping among teenagers is on the rise. They point out that the easy accessibility of e-cigarette products is the main reason for their popularity.

Jay Stewart, an employee at the Pur Cannabis store in Guelph, stated, "Typically, kids look for e-cigarettes with fruity flavors, hoping they taste like candy."

A local resident in Guelph remarked, "I've noticed that especially in high school, there are many kids vaping."

E-cigarettes have now become a more concerning issue among teenagers than smoking. At a health committee meeting on December 6, Environmental Health Manager Phil Wang shared some key findings.

Since 2018, the number of e-cigarette retailers in the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph area has doubled, increasing from fewer than 100 to over 200 in 2023.

Dr. Nicola Mercer, a medical health officer in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph, said, "Our youth and teenagers can easily access e-cigarettes, and these sales points are marketing to them."

In 2023, 100% of high schools reported issues with teenagers vaping on campus. This has prompted school management to develop an online reporting tool and increase the presence of law enforcement officers within schools.

Dr. Mercer stated, "The market for purchasing e-cigarettes is growing, and these e-cigarette markets are actually located where children and young adults frequently go."

The public health department is working to address the new marketing strategies of large tobacco companies regarding their nicotine products. One of these is called nicotine pouches.

Dr. Nicola Mercer said, "There are now various small flavors available on the market that you can place in your cheek or gums; they are candy-flavored, and guess what? They are not regulated at all."

To test whether stores selling e-cigarettes or tobacco products would sell to minors, the health department conducted 110 tests over the past eight months, with about one-third of the tests resulting in sales to minors.

Dr. Mercer added, "They are close to our high schools, and particularly many high school students have tried vaping, so we know at least 25% of students have tried e-cigarettes."

One of the many e-cigarette retailers in Guelph, Medusa420, has a strict policy that requires customers to be 19 years or older to purchase any products. However, the manager also noted an increasing number of young people trying them.

Store manager Kam said, "It seems that flavors are a significant attraction. I have indeed noticed that this is very appealing to young people."

While public health programs are strengthening inspections of stores, especially those within walking distance of schools, Dr. Mercer emphasized that the focus is not only on regulation but also on community education.

Dr. Mercer said, "There needs to be action at a higher regulatory level. The Canadian health department has a responsibility, and we all have a responsibility to protect our youth from becoming addicted to nicotine at such a young age."

Looking ahead, WDGPH will continue to conduct unannounced visits to e-cigarette retailers as part of its targeted enforcement program.