Panama’s Constitutional Ruling on Vaping: A Milestone for THR
May 26, 2026 by tobaccoharmreduction.net
Panama’s Constitutional Ruling on Vaping: A Milestone for THR
Panama’s constitutional ruling on vaping adds to growing international debate over prohibition, consumer rights, and tobacco harm reduction policy. The decision raises questions about whether outright bans on lower-risk nicotine products are compatible with evidence-based public health objectives, particularly when combustible cigarettes remain legally available. Harm reduction advocates argue that regulated access to non-combustible alternatives may offer a more proportionate approach for adult smokers seeking to reduce their health risks. The case highlights wider tensions between restrictive nicotine regulation, constitutional principles, and strategies aimed at reducing smoking-related disease and mortality.
4.50% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 150,000 current smokers in Panama 7.20% of men are current smokers but only 1.90% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
