A new law that took effect on January 1, 2025, has dealt a devastating blow to Kentucky's smoke and vape shops. The legislation, aimed at tackling the state's high teen vaping rates, mandates that shops can only sell products approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The impact on local businesses has been immediate and severe. One Owensboro vape shop owner reports having to pull $120,000 worth of products from their shelves and dispose of them in the trash. This substantial financial loss threatens the very survival of their business.
Kentucky ranks 7th in the nation for teen vaping, with nearly 22% of high school students using vaping products. The new law seeks to address this pressing public health issue by limiting access to potentially harmful and unregulated vaping devices and e-liquids.
While the intention behind the legislation is commendable, its implementation has left many small business owners in the vaping industry struggling to adapt. The sudden restriction on their product offerings and the need to discard significant portions of their inventory has put an immense financial strain on these establishments.
As Kentucky vape stores navigate this challenging new landscape, it remains to be seen how many will manage to stay afloat. The long-term effectiveness of the law in reducing teen vaping rates will also be a crucial factor in determining its overall success and impact on public health.
