In an episode of Radio Noon Québec hosted by Shawn Apel, experts discussed the SQDC’s decision to sell vaping products for cannabis and whether this move sends the right public health message. Dr. Carolyn Baglole was a guest on the show and explained that vaping involves heating cannabis to produce an aerosol that is inhaled into the lungs using an electronic device. This can include vaping dried cannabis flower or inhaling cannabis distillates, which are viscous liquids extracted from the plant and heated in vape devices.
Dr. Baglole and fellow guest Dr. Sean Gillman expressed concern that selling cannabis vapes through a government-run retailer may be interpreted by the public as an endorsement of safety. While cannabis may be considered relatively safe for adult recreational use, vaping is not risk-free, and the long-term health effects remain unknown. Dr. Gillman described the decision as particularly troubling given that vaping products are especially popular among youth, the brain continues to develop until about age 25, and Québec and Canada are already facing a vaping epidemic. Vaping is often perceived as easier and more appealing than smoking, largely because of the delivery device, which may further increase its appeal to young people who might otherwise avoid smoking.
The SQDC has stated that its decision is based on consumer trends showing a shift away from smoking and toward vaping. The agency argues that offering regulated products reduces reliance on the black market and ensures that ingredients and THC concentrations are known and controlled, with a maximum THC content of 30 percent. While both experts acknowledge that regulation improves transparency compared to unregulated products, where THC levels can reach much higher concentrations, they emphasize that regulation does not mean safety.
Dr. Baglole reiterated that nothing we smoke or vape should be considered safe. She noted that while there is a long history of tobacco use and medicinal cannabis use, vaping is relatively new, having only become widespread since around 2007. Heating chemicals can change their composition, and inhaling these altered substances may affect lung health. Because there are so many vaping products and formulations on the market, it is difficult for research to keep pace, and there is still insufficient long-term data to fully understand the health effects.
Dr. Baglole stressed that the public needs clear, accurate information to make informed decisions. She emphasized that “safer” does not mean “safe” and called for a strong public education campaign to communicate risks, particularly to youth and parents.
Listen to the Interview
The SQDC is about to sell vaping products for cannabis. Is that a good idea? We talk with Carolyn Baglole, a McGill Medicine professor who studies the impact of smoking and vaping on the body. CBC Listen Radio Noon Quebec with Shawn Apel. November 20, 2025.