Are there Nicotine-Free Vapes in Canada?

Quick answer
 

Yes — with a critical provincial exception. Nicotine-free vapes (0 mg/mL nicotine) are federally permitted under Canada's Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA) and are legally sold in most provinces. However, British Columbia prohibits the sale of nicotine-free vaping products under provincial regulation. In all provinces where they are sold, nicotine-free vaping products are subject to the same age-verification requirements as nicotine-containing products.
 

Provincial exception: British Columbia
 

British Columbia does not permit the retail sale of nicotine-free (0 mg/mL) vaping products. Retailers in BC are restricted to selling products that contain nicotine within the TVPA-permitted range.
 

What is a nicotine-free vape?
 

A nicotine-free vape is an electronic vaping device or pre-filled pod that contains e-liquid formulated at 0 mg/mL nicotine. The base composition is the same as standard vaping products — propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), and food-grade flavourings — without any nicotine.
 

Available formats include:
 

• Disposable vapes: single-use devices pre-filled with 0 mg/mL e-liquid.
• Closed-system pods: pre-filled, non-refillable pods for pod-system devices.
• Open-system pods and tanks: refillable pods or tanks used with 0 mg/mL bottled e-liquid.
• Bottled e-liquid: 0 mg/mL nicotine e-liquid sold separately for use in compatible devices.
   

Federal regulatory status under the TVPA
 

The Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA) classifies all vaping products, regardless of nicotine content, as regulated goods. A 0 mg/mL pod is subject to the same federal rules as a 20 mg/mL pod.
 

Key federal obligations for retailers and manufacturers include:
 

• Age verification: sale is restricted to adults (19+ in most provinces; 18+ in Alberta, Quebec, and Manitoba).
• Advertising restrictions: vaping products cannot be promoted in ways that appeal to youth or make prohibited health claims.
• Ingredient reporting: manufacturers must submit ingredient lists and emissions data to Health Canada.
• Packaging standards: child-resistant closures, plain packaging rules, and mandatory health warnings apply.
   

Provincial rules on nicotine-free vaping products
 

While the TVPA establishes the federal framework, provinces can impose stricter restrictions.

The most significant current provincial restriction on nicotine-free products are:
 

• Province/territory: British Columbia
  • Are nicotine-free vapes permitted for sale? No
  • Additional notes: provincial regulation prohibits the sale of 0 mg/mL vaping products.
• Province/territory: Alberta
  • Are nicotine-free vapes permitted for sale? Yes
  • Additional notes: legal age 18+; subject to TVPA and provincial rules.
• Province/territory: Saskatchewan
  • Are nicotine-free vapes permitted for sale? Yes
  • Additional notes: legal age 19+; subject to TVPA and provincial rules.
• Province/territory: Manitoba
  • Are nicotine-free vapes permitted for sale? Yes
  • Additional notes: legal age 18+; subject to TVPA and provincial rules.
• Province/territory: Ontario
  • Are nicotine-free vapes permitted for sale? Yes
  • Additional notes: legal age 19+; subject to TVPA and provincial rules.
• Province/territory: Quebec
  • Are nicotine-free vapes permitted for sale? Yes
  • Additional notes: legal age 18+; subject to TVPA and provincial rules.
• Province/territory: New Brunswick
  • Are nicotine-free vapes permitted for sale? Yes
  • Additional notes: legal age 19+; subject to TVPA and provincial rules.
• Provinceterritory: Nova Scotia
  • Are nicotine-free vapes permitted for sale? Yes
  • Additional notes: legal age 19+; subject to TVPA and provincial rules.
• Province/territory: Prince Edward Island (PEI)
  • Are nicotine-free vapes permitted for sale? Yes
  • Additional notes: legal age 21+; subject to TVPA and provincial rules.
• Province/territory: Newfoundland & Labrador
  • Are nicotine-free vapes permitted for sale? Yes
  • Additional notes: legal age 19+; subject to TVPA and provincial rules.
• Province/territory: Yukon/Northwest Territories/Nunavut
  • Are nicotine-free vapes permitted for sale? Yes
  • Additional notes: legal age 21+; subject to TVPA and provincial rules.

As rules are subject to change, we suggest always verifying current provincial regulations before purchasing.
 

What other nicotine strength options are available?
 

Under the TVPA, the maximum nicotine concentration in most consumer vaping liquids is 20 mg/mL. Products are typically available at the following concentrations (subject to retailer and brand availability, and provincial restrictions):
 

• Nicotine level: nicotine-free
  • Concentration: 0 mg/mL
  • Format: pods, bottled e-liquid (not available in BC)
• Nicotine level: very low
  • Concentration: 3 mg/mL
  • Format: bottled e-liquid, some pods
• Nicotine level: low
  • Concentration: 6 mg/mL
  • Format: bottled e-liquid, some pods
• Nicotine level: moderate
  • Concentration: 12 mg/mL
  • Format: pods, bottled e-liquid
• Nicotine level: maximum (TVPA cap)
  • Concentration: 20 mg/mL
  • Format: disposables, pods, bottled e-liquid

Where to buy nicotine-free vapes
 

Nicotine-free vaping products are available from licensed retailers in provinces that permit their sale:
 

• Specialty vape retailers (in-store and online).
• Convenience stores and gas stations in applicable provinces.
• Tobacconists that carry vaping products.
• Online retailers that verify purchaser age in accordance with provincial law.
   

Nicotine-free products are not available from retailers in British Columbia. All retailers must confirm the buyer meets the minimum age requirement before completing a sale.
 

Other things to consider
 

Vuse offers disposables and pod-based closed-system devices in Canada. For up-to-date information on available nicotine concentrations by province, visit vuse.com or speak to an authorized Vuse retailer.
 

Disclaimer: This article is for general information and educational purposes only, intended for adult nicotine consumers (18+, 19+, 21+) in Canada, and does not constitute legal advice or a legal opinion. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources, and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity, or completeness of such information.