Arkansas has enacted a new law, Act 590, aimed at cracking down on the sale of illegal vape products, particularly single-use disposables and e-liquids containing nicotine. Passed earlier this year, the legislation requires vendors to sell only products listed on a specific registry approved by Arkansas Tobacco Control.
The move comes amidst growing concerns over youth vaping and organized crime. Rich Marianos, a retired Assistant Director of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), highlighted a staggering "1,000% increase in young adults using these vapes" over the last five years, attributing the surge to social media and marketing targeting children. He emphasized that illegal products are often tied to organized crime and praised the registry as a "great step forward."
Act 590 also prohibits retailers from marketing vape products in ways that appeal to children, specifically banning flavors that imitate food brands or use fictional characters. Furthermore, it extends vaping bans to schools, healthcare facilities, and childcare centers. A survey by Communities United for Smart Policy indicates strong public support, with 73% of parents concerned about stores selling illegal vapes and 78% favoring legislation that bolsters enforcement efforts. Marianos noted that recent federal funding of $200 million will aid in enforcing these measures against organized crime networks.
