Louisiana’s New Vape Regulations and V.A.P.E. Directory: What You Need to Know
There has been so much back and forth on what Louisiana can expect with the new vape regulations. Here is what we know.
As of November 1, the final stage of Louisiana's sweeping vape regulations has taken effect, bringing significant changes to the way vaping products are sold and purchased within the state. These new vape laws, initiated earlier this year, are aimed at curbing the marketing of vaping products to minors and improving oversight in the industry.
The initial phase of these regulations, which began on July 1, involved raising the sales tax on vape liquids and requiring that all vape products be sourced from wholesale companies holding valid licenses. However, the most significant changes were introduced during the second phase, which officially went into effect on Wednesday.
All Vape Products Need Approval By the State and FDA
Nola.com reported that one of the key provisions of the second phase is the strict requirement that vape products must receive approval from both the state of Louisiana and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they can be legally sold in the state. This measure is primarily intended to target vape companies accused of marketing their products to minors and focuses on disposable, flavored vape products such as Elf Bars.
To meet the new regulations, all manufacturers of vapes, e-cigarettes, and other alternative nicotine products sold in Louisiana were mandated to register each of their products with the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control starting on October 1st. The goal of this registration process is to establish a registry of all FDA-approved vaping and nicotine products available in Louisiana. Any product that is not included in this registry is prohibited from sale in Louisiana.
Vaping Approved Product Entries
For consumers seeking information on approved vaping products, the state of Louisiana has created an online directory known as V.A.P.E. (Vaping Approved Product Entries), which is scheduled to be published on November 1. This directory will serve as a one-stop resource for consumers, retailers, and regulators to verify which products are authorized for sale within the state. At this time there is nothing listed in the directory but we will continue to check back.
Will Louisiana Ban Elf Bars?
A point of concern for many vape enthusiasts in Louisiana is the fate of popular brands like Elf Bars, Puff Bars, and EscoBars, known for their disposable, flavored vape offerings. While it remains unclear whether these brands will secure a spot on Louisiana's approved list, recent actions by the FDA have cast a shadow over Elf Bars in particular. The FDA has not only urged retailers to cease selling Elf Bars but has also taken steps to halt their importation.
With these comprehensive regulations in effect, Louisiana aims to balance public health concerns surrounding vaping, particularly among minors, while ensuring a legal and transparent vaping industry within the state. This will undoubtedly reshape the landscape of vaping in Louisiana and may affect the availability of certain popular vape products in the market.
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