Is vaping allowed on the train?

The use of vapes is a growing trend. Although, in general terms, vaping is not yet as common as smoking, among younger people, it has been gaining ground year after year. However, these types of electronic cigarettes are relatively new, so there are still many questions regarding regulations on their use in public spaces. Is vaping allowed on the train? Where is it prohibited? Are stricter regulations expected in the future? Keep on reading to find out the answers!

What is a vape?

Vapes, or electronic cigarettes, are devices that operate with a battery that heats a substance called e-liquid, transforming it into vapor, which the user inhales. Unlike traditional cigarettes, which burn tobacco leaves and produce smoke, vapes only generate vapor. 

When these devices first hit the market, regulations focused on where they could and couldn’t be used. Additionally, rules were established for e-liquids and various vape accessories. The law has been updated over time to cover more aspects related to these devices, such as their marketing, advertising, and quality control. 

Regulations on vape liquids

Vape legislation covers various aspects, including the types of e-liquids that can be used. According to the law, e-liquids containing nicotine must be sold in 10 ml containers if they are refillable and 2 ml if they are non-refillable. Additionally, they cannot contain any vitamins or extra additives.

CBD Liquids

 Regarding CBD e-liquids, regulations are quite strict, even though CBD is not classified as a psychoactive substance.  

CBD products must meet strict quality, labeling, and traceability standards. THC content must not exceed 0.2%. However, they cannot be marketed as suitable for human consumption (oral or inhaled), as they have not been registered as dietary supplements or authorized by organizations like the Spanish Agency for Food Safety (AESAN). Therefore, while you can find CBD e-liquids in the Spanish market, they are often labeled as non-consumable products due to the lack of specific regulation.

[ppgbo products=”7749,7397,7770″ language=”en”]

Where vaping is prohibited

Vaping does not have as many restrictions as smoking, but it is not allowed in all spaces. These are the places where vaping is strictly prohibited:

• Public administration buildings and other public institutions.
• Healthcare centers, services, and establishments. It is also prohibited in outdoor or covered spaces within their premises (e.g., a hospital parking lot).
• Educational centers, except outdoor areas of universities and adult education centers, provided they are not immediate entrances or surrounding sidewalks.
• Public transportation, including urban and interurban transport, railways, maritime transport, and Spanish airline flights or shared flights with foreign companies.
• Children’s playgrounds and play areas.

Where can I vape?

Many establishments explicitly prohibit vaping, but not all of them.

Is vaping allowed in a bar?

 It is recommended to check with the staff before using an electronic cigarette. Currently, vaping indoors is not prohibited as smoking is, but allowing it depends on the establishment’s policy. In general, outdoor terraces do not pose a problem for vaping. 

Can you vape in a nightclub?

The law does not prohibit vaping in nightclubs. In fact, some venues offer hookahs for their customers. However, it is always advisable to check the establishment’s policy. 

Regulatory updates

In addition to knowing where vaping is allowed and where it is not, it is essential to stay informed about the changes that have taken effect in 2024 following the update to Spain’s electronic cigarette regulations. 

Banning vape sales to minors

To protect public health, selling vapes to minors is prohibited. Restrictions on the promotion of these products have also been established, including a ban on misleading advertising that could attract minors. 

Stricter quality controls

Quality and safety controls for all vaping-related products have been reinforced, requiring manufacturers to comply with stricter and more demanding regulations for production and distribution.

Goodbye to disposable vapes

Disposable vapes are already being banned in some European countries, such as France, due to their environmental impact. It is only a matter of time before they disappear in Spain as well.