The Russian State Duma is set to review a bill that would empower regional authorities, including Krasnoyarsk Krai, to completely ban the retail sale of vapes and e-liquids. This legislative push comes amid a 30% surge in respiratory illnesses and widespread public demand to protect youth from nicotine addiction.
State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin emphasized that the public overwhelmingly supports decisive action. “Vapes are causing immense harm,” Volodin stated, noting that young people under 35 are the primary victims of vaping-related lung complications.
In regions like Krasnoyarsk, vape shops have proliferated rapidly due to low financial entry barriers and high demand. Local officials admit that current federal restrictions have failed. Ilya Zaitsev, chairman of the regional health committee, noted that massive profits easily cover minor fines, while illicit online sales to minors continue to thrive.
Beyond nicotine, authorities warn of escalating drug risks. Daniil Podbornykh, head of the regional “Anti-Dealer” movement, revealed that school-aged children are increasingly using vaping devices disguised as flash drives or toys to consume cannabis oil.
Medical professionals have strongly endorsed the proposed bans. Dr. Dmitry Anikin, a pulmonologist at the Krasnoyarsk Regional Clinical Hospital, warned that vaping damages lungs much faster than traditional cigarettes.
“Traditional smoking might show severe effects after 10 years, but vapes cause bronchitis and bronchiolitis much sooner,” Dr. Anikin explained. He added that because e-cigarettes are highly accessible and lack natural dosage limits, users frequently suffer from nicotine overdoses.
