Vaping
Resources
All of the information on this page can be downloaded as a handout.
Contents provided by: Community Health Promotion Services (CHPS) Child & Adolescent Addiction, Mental Health & Psychiatry Program
Electronic Smoking Products (ESP)
- E-cigarettes, vape pens, e-hookah, personal vaporizers, etc
- Deliver nicotine and THC
- ESP vaporize from liquid form
- They can look like a cigarette, pen, USB or many other objects
- “open: ESPs are refillable
- “closed” ESPs use dispensable cartiridges
- E-juice are flavored, have nicotine and liquids
- Some known chemicals for flavouring – unlimited and unknown combinations
- Private online sales are legal in Alberta
Health Risks
Impacts of Nicotine
- Risk of Nicotine addiction
- “Vape Tongue” – cannot taste
- Risk of Cancer
- Risk of Lung Disease
- Weakened Immune system
- Risk of Depression, Insomnia
- Risk of Poisoning
- Impacts memory and concentration
- Can alter teen brain development
- Reuce impulse control
- Risk of cognitive and behavioral problems
- May have device malfunction
- Cause explosion/fire from batteries
- Negative impact on pregnancy
How does nicotine work?
Canadian Statistics on Youth
Usage of ESPs
20%
of Canadian youth had used in the past 30 days
40%
with past 30 day use reported daily or almost daily use
42%
with past 30 day use reported never having smoked a cigarette
66%
perceive smoking on a regular basis to pose ‘great risk’
42%
believe that using e-cigarettes with nicotine pose ‘great risk’
14%
believe that using e-cigarettes without nicotine pose ‘great risk’
Source: Statistics Canada, 2018-2019
Current Law
The Tobacco, Smoking and Vaping Reduction Act(TSVRA) and regulation came into force on July 31, 2021
The TSVRA and regulation include enforceable restrictions on tobacco and vaping products to:
- establish a minimum age (18 years and older) and government-issued photo identification requirements for purchasing, possessing and consuming tobacco and vaping products
- restrict advertising, display and promotion of tobacco and vaping products in convenience stores and gas stations
- align and expand where vaping and tobacco products cannot be used, including:
- hospital, school and childcare properties
- playgrounds, sports and playing fields
- skateboard and bicycle parks
- zoos, outdoor theatres
- public outdoor pools and splash pads
- limit where vaping products cannot be sold to align with tobacco restrictions, including:
- health facilities
- public post-secondary institutions
- stores where pharmacies are located
- vending machines or temporary facilities
Fines for vaping violations in alignment with existing tobacco fines can be found here.
Talking with your teen – start the conversation!
- Find the right moment
- Be patient and ready to listen
- Get support
- Keep the conversation going
- Stay informed
- Useful resources to help talking to your teens
Resources – Alberta Health Services
All Alberta Health Services programs have access to free interpretation services in 240+ languages.
Alberta Adult Services
403-297-3071
Access Mental Health
403-943-1500
Treatment Services
403-297-4664
AHS Youth Services
403-297-4664
Alberta Quits
Helping you prepare to quit smoking
Vaping resources
On Government of Canada’s website
Health Link 811
24/7 Free health advice. Interpretation available in 240+ languages
My Health Alberta
To find information about any health condition or concerns.
All the information on this page can be downloaded as a handout. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Disclaimer: This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an “as is”, “where is” basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use. Last updated August 2022