Nova Scotia bans sale of flavoured tobacco

The Nova Scotia government introduced legislation today banning the sale of flavoured tobacco in the province.

The ban would come into effect May 31 and include menthol and flavoured rolling papers, but not e-cigarettes or the e-juice to fill them.

The government originally moved to ban flavoured e-cigarettes and e-juice last fall as part of its legislation prohibiting the display and sale of the products to those under 19.

But after a public outcry last November and a three-month consultation period this year, Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine said the provincial government will leave further regulation of the products to the federal government.

Glavine is urging the federal government to take swift action.

Proponents of e-cigarettes argue the products help smokers quit, while anti-tobacco advocates point to scientific studies that have demonstrated flavoured tobacco , including the juice in e-cigarettes, is popular among youth.