Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has decided to classify nicotine as a poisonous substance under the Karnataka Poison Rules, 2019. This decision is expected to make it harder for manufacturers of e-cigarettes.
As per the latest amendment made to the Karnataka Poisons (Possession and Sale), 2015, only psychiatrists will be allowed to prescribe nicotine within certain pre-established limits.
Department of Health and Family Welfare nodal officer Dr Selvaraj said that the new provisions will help them in their fight against vaping. “There was a legal hurdle. When we sought an e-cigarette ban, they contended that there was no tobacco (in e-cigarettes) and hence not harmful. Henceforth, legally, we will have a better stand considering that nicotine has now been listed under the Poisons Act,” he said.
Although the state government had previously issued a circular banning the sale of vapes, e-tobacco lobbyists had approached the government earlier this year and asked them to reconsider.
Several other Indian states have taken similar decisions according to an expert. “Punjab is one such example. The suggestion came from the drug controller. So far, nicotine was classified under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and enforcement was a challenge,” he added.
However, a source expressed to Deccan Herald his concerns over the unforeseen implications after the decision.
