Breaking the Law: Illegal E-cigarette Sales in Connecticut

Although marijuana has been legalized in Connecticut, no stores in the state have been granted licenses to sell it. State law also requires all nicotine products to be kept behind store counters. Stores must also post notices about the legality of selling nicotine and THC products. Selling e-cigarette products within 500 feet of a residential area or church is illegal.

However, in Westport, all of these laws and regulations were broken.

This is the conclusion of the "West Port Tobacco Store Environmental Scan," recently conducted by Ben Fitzgerald of the Prevention Corps and Rachalle Ubaldo of Positive Directions. The results were submitted to the West Port Prevention Coalition on Tuesday.

Fitzgerald and Ubaldo visited six tobacco shops, gas stations, and convenience stores in Westport. The project was coordinated with the Westport Police Department.

The name of the company was not included in the report.

The two individuals conversed with a store clerk to learn about the popular products. They also attempted to make a purchase to see if their cards would be accepted.

Only three companies are registered to sell electronic cigarettes (also known as e-cigarettes or vape pens) in the state. Five of the stores are located within 500 feet of residential areas, while three are within 500 feet of a church. Three of the companies do not store all nicotine products behind the counter.

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