MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A new set of FDA regulations on e-cigarettes aim to drive down the number of people “vaping.”
The regulations include things like adding nicotine addiction warnings to all e-cigarette products.
While some are welcoming the changes, some small shops told WREG it could be bad news for business.
E-cigarettes, or vapes, as they’re commonly referred to have grown in popularity in recent years, and Jacob Dunn, the regional manager of Chase the Vape, said they’re a good alternative to cigarettes because you inhale less nicotine.
“The consumption rate is a lot smaller.”
But new FDA regulations will require products to have nicotine addiction warning labels and limit sales to those over 18.
“I think they need to raise the age on smoking as well, like they did in California,” said non-smoker Marc Martin.
That state just raised the legal smoking age to 21 from 18.
A lot of smoke shops and vape shops, including ones here locally, already have warning labels on a lot of their products when it comes to the nicotine level, and they card people when they come through the door.
However, that doesn’t mean there won’t be changes across the board.
“For every flavor that a shop carries or that the make in house, for each individual flavor we’ll have to pay an obscene amount to actually get that tested and certified to be able to be used,” said Dunn.
That process could cost stores and companies millions, and even possibly resulting in the closure of local mom and pop businesses.
“It’s not just each flavor. It’s each flavor combination,” Dunn added. “So, if you have five flavors within one liquid, each one has to be tested by itself and then in combination together to see how they react.”
Still, some non-smokers are applauding the changes.
“I think they should be regulated for the younger people,” said Tommy Arnold.
The product regulations apply to products made after 2007 and take effect in about three months.
Regulations also apply to premium hand rolled cigars and hookahs.
