A congressional committee in Mexico approved an initiative that would punish the “marketing and promotion of vapes and electronic cigarettes” with prison sentences of one to eight years and fines of roughly 11,000 to 226,000 pesos ($594 to $12,204). The measure moved forward with 27 votes in favor, eight against and one abstention, despite procedural complaints from opposition lawmakers.

Opposition parties—PAN, PRI and Movimiento Ciudadano—objected to criminal penalties that could apply to people who purchase or possess vaping products, saying the proposal effectively criminalizes users and could widen the black market. PRI deputy Ana Isabel González warned that driving vape sales underground would put young people at greater risk.

Movimiento Ciudadano legislators were even more critical, calling the proposal “one of the most punitive rulings” to date. Deputy Juan Ignacio Zavala pointed out the initiative could send people to prison simply for acquiring an e-cigarette, while his colleague Amancay González said sentences of up to eight years would be harsher than penalties for selling drugs like cocaine.

Morena deputy Fernando Castro defended the reform, saying it targets clandestine sellers rather than consumers and aims to protect public health.

The initiative now goes to the Lower House’s Board of Directors for further discussion.

This article was adapted from an original report published on tobaccoreporter.com. All rights belong to the original publisher.