Kentucky vape store owners say customers buying in bulk ahead of new law taking effect Jan. 1 | Business

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E-cigarette and vape users and retailers are scrambling to adjust before a new Kentucky law taking effect Jan. 1, 2025, prohibits the sale of non-FDA-authorized vaping products. (Joel Schipper/WDRB photo) Cyber Flask Vape

Kentucky vape store owners say customers buying in bulk ahead of new law taking effect Jan. 1 | Business | wdrb.com

The ban, enacted under a state law passed earlier this year, prohibits the sale of non-FDA-authorized vaping products.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The majority of e-cigarettes and vaping products will vanish from store shelves in Kentucky starting Jan. 1, leaving users and retailers scrambling to adjust.

Justin Schultz, who credits vaping with helping him quit smoking, calls the impending ban disheartening.

“It’s the only thing that helped me quit smoking,” Schultz said. “I started off with 18 milligrams, which I guess is about two packs a day. I’m down to three milligrams now.”

The ban, enacted under a state law passed earlier this year, prohibits the sale of non-FDA-authorized vaping products. A challenge to the FDA’s approval process is currently before the U.S. Supreme Court, but a decision has not yet been reached.

Stores across the state have posted warning signs about the upcoming restrictions. Some customers, like Schultz, are stockpiling products before the deadline.

“I put in an order six weeks ago because we knew this was coming,” he said. “It’s unfortunate, but it is what it is.”

Troy Leblanc, president of the Kentucky Smoke Free Association and owner of 12 vape shops, said his business has been flooded with customers making last-minute purchases.

“Anybody that can’t get products or wants to buy in bulk can simply cross the bridge to Indiana,” Leblanc said, adding that his stores may offer incentives to out-of-state shoppers.

Leblanc and the Kentucky Smoke Free Association are lobbying lawmakers to push the implementation date to June.

“We’re asking for six months,” he said. “Let’s see what the Supreme Court says. If they rule in the FDA’s favor, then we’ll close down.”

The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the case in April. If the FDA’s processes are upheld, the ban will remain in effect, potentially nullifying similar challenges in other states.

In the meantime, Leblanc remains cautiously optimistic.

“We’re working day and night with legislators to try to get this date moved,” he said.

For now, Kentucky vapers are preparing for a new reality as the Bluegrass state’s ban looms.

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Kentucky vape store owners say customers buying in bulk ahead of new law taking effect Jan. 1 | Business | wdrb.com