In the United States, vaping or the use of e-cigarettes is rapidly becoming the chosen alternative to smoking regular cigarettes. An e-cigarette is a smoking device that contains a cartridge filled with nicotine, flavoring, and other chemicals in liquid form. This liquid vaporizes as the e-cigarette heats it and you can then inhale the vapor.
As compared to inhaling tobacco products, the health risks of vaping are fewer. Additionally, as e-cigarettes don’t emit any smoke or smell, they are socially more acceptable in public places.
Even so, vaping isn’t completely without disadvantage and that is why there are specific rules and regulations about the sale and use of e-cigarettes in the United States. These vaping laws vary across different states that permit vaping. Some states have no regulations while others have banned vaping altogether.
Vaping laws about selling vaping products
When it comes to selling vaping products, sellers have to follow rules pertaining to product selling licenses, product packaging, minimum age of buyers, and taxation.
Let us examine the vaping laws:
Product selling licenses
In December 2019, the U.S. government made it a legal requirement that only stores with licenses or permits can sell different vaping products such as vaping liquid, vaping pens, vaping cartridges, and e-cigarettes. This was done to ensure that the products were sold, refilled, and distributed safely and professionally.
Product packaging
The U.S. government has also made it mandatory for vaping products to come with tightly fastened caps and wrapped in secure packaging. There should be clear warnings on the packaging, informing buyers that the product is not meant for children and that using it could lead to potential health issues.
Minimum age of buyers
The minimum age for buying vaping products varies in different states. You must be at least 18 years old in 27 states, at least 19 years old in five states, and 21 years old in 19 states. This was done to prevent children and younger teenagers from buying and using e-cigarettes and other vaping products.
Taxation
The different U.S. states collect tax on all vaping products sold in their jurisdiction. At present, 22 states tax vaping products based on the product price or product content.
Vaping laws about using vaping products
As in the case of the selling laws, the laws for using vaping products vary according to state. They may be dependent on:
Whether you are of legal age to use vaping products
As mentioned, the legal age for buying and using vaping products varies from 18 to 21 in different U.S. states. You should check what the legal age is in your state as the law will be applicable regardless of where you made your purchase. For instance, even if you bought the vaping product in a state where the minimum age is 18, you cannot use it in a state that requires you to be at least 21 to engage in vaping. You cannot also ship to a person under 18.
Where you are using the vaping products
In some states, you have to follow the same rules that are in place for smoking. So, you cannot use vaping products in places that prohibit smoking.
Some states prohibit vaping on school, college, and university buildings and campuses. It is also banned in food industries, health facilities, child daycare facilities, adult care facilities, assisted living residences, correctional facilities, and government buildings. You cannot use it in hair salons and tattoo parlors, or highway rest areas, fairs, and underground mines.
It is not allowed in most airports, railway stations, and bus stations, except for designated smoking areas. Vaping is prohibited inside private and public vehicles in several states, especially if there are younger passengers.
You are also not allowed to use vaping products at work, especially if you work in the health industry, food industry, teaching industry, public service industry, or government service industry.
What type of vaping products you are using
Many U.S. states prohibit the use of vaping products that contain banned substances like THC and CBD. So, check before using.
The vaping laws in different U.S. states were instituted as a matter of public health and safety, so it is in your best interest to follow them.
