Cannabis fear may make Hong Kong’s vaping rules even tougher

The spectre of vaped cannabinoids is being used in Hong Kong by campaigners seeking to tighten the Chinese territory’s already stringent regime on e-cigarettes.

Ahead of a debate by the Legislative Council, whose own Panel on Health Affairs has recommended a ban, four Hong Kong health organisations – the Council on Smoking and Health, Federation of Medical Societies, Medical Association and Dental Association – have all called for prohibition.

A regime very close to a complete ban is already in place. Nicotine-free e-cigs are permitted in Hong Kong but the possession or sale of those containing nicotine is banned unless the product has been registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board – and no such product exists.