Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is pushing for a fresh strategy to limit tobacco use in Canada, including cigars. Drawing inspiration from New Zealand’s “smoke-free generation” law, which aimed to ban the sale of all tobacco products, including cigars, to anyone born after 2008, OPH is suggesting that Canada adopt a similar policy. While New Zealand’s new government is reconsidering this law, OPH believes the idea could still be effective as Health Canada reviews its Tobacco and Vaping Products Act.

Why Target Cigars and Other Tobacco Products?

OPH argues that current regulations are not enough to prevent young people from becoming addicted to tobacco products, including cigars. They recommend not only a generational ban but also raising the minimum age to 21 for purchasing all tobacco, nicotine, and vaping products. The idea is to create a generation that never starts using these products in the first place.

Dr. Andrew Pipe, a prominent figure in smoking cessation, supports the concept of a generational ban for all tobacco products, including cigars. “Nicotine is incredibly addictive, and this approach could be a strong step towards reducing access,” he says. The goal is to prevent a new generation from being exposed to tobacco in any form, whether it’s cigars, cigarettes, or vaping products.

Concerns About Prohibition: Does It Apply to Cigars?

However, not everyone agrees with this approach. Some experts caution that such a ban could push cigar sales underground, creating a black market. Dan Malleck, a professor with expertise in drug and alcohol regulation, argues that “prohibition never works.” He warns that making cigars and other tobacco products illegal for a specific age group could make them more desirable and lead to unintended consequences, such as smuggling and illegal sales.

A Trend to Watch: Cigars and the Future of Tobacco Control

New Zealand’s ambitious policy has sparked interest globally, with countries like the United Kingdom considering similar measures. Canada could be next to explore this strategy, especially with the goal of lowering smoking rates across the country. Sarah Butson from the Canadian Lung Association believes this could be an effective way to keep all tobacco products, including cigars, away from young people. “We need to think beyond traditional education and consider stricter measures,” she suggests.

The Future of Cigars in Canada: A Time for Reflection

The debate is heating up in Canada about how to balance tobacco control with personal choice, particularly when it comes to cigars. While a generational ban is a bold idea, it raises important questions about the effectiveness of such measures and their impact on consumer freedom and the economy. As Canada explores new ways to protect public health, the cigar industry and enthusiasts will be closely watching the developments to understand how these potential changes could shape the future of cigars in Canada.