Costa Rica Bans Nicotine And Cannabis Vapes

By Lucía Tedesco via El Planteo

The Ministry of Health of Costa Rica has issued Resolution MS-DM-RC-2381-2024, which bans the import, commercialization and sale of vaporizers and their supplies, particularly those containing artificial nicotine or liquids with cannabinoids. This preventive measure has sparked debate and a wave of reactions among the affected sectors.

The ban took immediate effect upon its publication and will remain in place until the Ministry issues a technical regulation governing the use and commercialization of these products.

In 2022, Law 10.113 was approved, allowing the import and use of cannabis products for medicinal and therapeutic purposes, as well as hemp for food and industrial use. However, this new regulation "is in addition to what is already regulated by the law," explained Lexology.

Impact of the Vaporizer Ban in Costa Rica

The cannabis industry, particularly the vaporizer market, is in its developmental stages. The ban alters the landscape for merchants and entrepreneurs in the sector, who will likely face losses and require clear new guidelines from the Ministry.

Carlos Camacho and Aron Mekler, experts in trade and regulatory law, emphasize that the resolution requires additional technical regulation beyond what is already established under Law 10113. This means that while the import of cannabis products is permitted, the devices for their consumption will not be allowed until new standards are set.

This article is from an external unpaid contributor. It does not represent Benzinga's reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.