If you are unable to purchase your favorite flavored e-cigarette at a local California smoke shop today, do not be surprised.
In the previous election, California voters approved Proposition 31, which reiterates the ban on flavored tobacco. Two years ago, lawmakers passed the ban, claiming that fruit and candy-flavored e-cigarettes, vaping pods, and chewing tobacco encourage youth nicotine addiction. According to the official voting argument, supporters claim that 80% of children who smoke start with flavored tobacco products.
The law was reaffirmed when the U.S. Supreme Court denied the tobacco company's request to lift the ban.
The ban, which came into effect on December 21st, requires retailers to cease the sale, offer for sale, and possession with intent to sell, of flavored cigarettes and tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and tobacco product additives.
In addition, California has banned the following products, regardless of whether or not they contain nicotine:
This refers to electronic cigarettes or devices that contain or are sold with flavored liquids or elements, such as "eliquids", "ejuices", or pods. It also includes tobacco products, ingredients, parts, or accessories that are sold with flavoring components, as well as flavored mini-cigars or cigars, smokeless tobacco, loose leaf tobacco, blunt wraps, or rolling papers.
The new ban does not affect high-quality flavored cigars and flavored loose-leaf tobacco for pipes that are sold at wholesale prices of $12 or more.
Furthermore, this law does not apply to shisha lounges in stores that sell flavored tobacco, which can only be open to individuals aged 21 or older.
Retailers and wholesalers who possess prohibited flavored tobacco products can contact their suppliers and request a refund. Conversely, distributors can seek a return of the consumer tax paid to the government.
Retailers who violate the ban will be fined $250 (approximately 1745 Chinese yuan) for each offense.
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