Warning Letters Sent to Tobacco Retailers for Misleading E-Cigarette Products

Aug.30.2024
Warning Letters Sent to Tobacco Retailers for Misleading E-Cigarette Products
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison sends thousands of warnings to tobacco retailers selling misleading e-cigarette products.

According to a report by MSN on August 30, the Minnesota Attorney General's Office is sending thousands of letters to tobacco retailers, warning them to stop selling misleading e-cigarette products.


Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced that over 5,000 businesses will receive a warning letter reminding them to comply with a new law that goes into effect at the beginning of this month.


A product called "game e-cigarette" is one of the targets that the Attorney General is trying to crack down on, as these products are illegally advertised to children.


Ellison stated that some products are indistinguishable from everyday highlighters and other stationery supplies.


Cherry, lime, soda, banana, and toffee flavored e-cigarette products that resemble high school stationery or smartphones.


Ellison pointed out that once the relevant regulations are released, retailers will face fines of up to $25,000 for each illegal device sold. He emphasized that the goal is to voluntarily comply with the law, but for companies that choose to violate the law, his office will prosecute them.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

FDA’s Makary on CNN: The Triple Challenge in Vape Regulation — New Opioids, Illicit Trade, and Youth Protection
FDA’s Makary on CNN: The Triple Challenge in Vape Regulation — New Opioids, Illicit Trade, and Youth Protection
In an interview with CNN’s Chasing Life, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary warned that new health risks — from emerging opioids such as 7-OH to unregulated vaping products — are slipping through regulatory cracks. His remarks reveal the FDA’s growing challenge to balance harm reduction for adult smokers with youth protection and cross-border enforcement.
Oct.10
South Korea Implements Law Requiring Full Disclosure of Tobacco Harmful Substances
South Korea Implements Law Requiring Full Disclosure of Tobacco Harmful Substances
South Korea has enacted the Tobacco Harm Management Act, effective November 1, 2025, requiring tobacco manufacturers and importers to test and report harmful substances in their products every two years. Results for all tobacco types—including combustible cigarettes, heated tobacco, and e-cigarettes—will be publicly available from mid-2026.
Nov.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. Virginia’s “Operation Magic Dragon” Targets 172 Vape Shops
U.S. Virginia’s “Operation Magic Dragon” Targets 172 Vape Shops
Virginia State Police (VSP) launched “Operation Magic Dragon,” identifying 172 businesses allegedly selling marijuana and related products via vape shops. The multi-month probe uncovered cocaine, methamphetamine, psilocybin and illegal firearms. Western VA seizures included 128.9 kg marijuana and 4.3 kg THC vapes; two Roanoke County raids hit a retail site and a freight distributor. Governor Glenn Youngkin vowed decisive enforcement.
Oct.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Retailers Urge Government to Include Age-Verification Tech in Tobacco and Vapes Bill
UK Retailers Urge Government to Include Age-Verification Tech in Tobacco and Vapes Bill
UK convenience retailers have written to several government ministers urging the adoption of age-verification technology in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. The letter, led by Atul Sodha of Londis, Harefield, and co-signed by 29 other shop owners, calls for a “triple lock” approach combining manufacturer tech, retailer vigilance, and user-level verification to curb youth access.
Nov.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Observation|ZYN Launches Brand Advertisement at Dubai International Airport, Promoting Itself as “World’s No.1 Nicotine Pouch Brand”
2Firsts Observation|ZYN Launches Brand Advertisement at Dubai International Airport, Promoting Itself as “World’s No.1 Nicotine Pouch Brand”
2Firsts observed that Philip Morris International’s (PMI) nicotine pouch brand ZYN has launched digital screen advertisements and product displays at the Dubai International Airport Duty Free area, featuring flavors such as Spearmint, Black Cherry, and Cool Mint, while promoting itself with the slogan “World’s No.1 Nicotine Pouch Brand.”
Nov.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
WHO MOP4 Focuses on Justice and Prosecution to Combat Illicit Tobacco Trade
WHO MOP4 Focuses on Justice and Prosecution to Combat Illicit Tobacco Trade
The Fourth Meeting of the Parties (MOP4) to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products opened in Geneva on November 24, 2025. With 60 Parties participating, the meeting focuses on strengthening legal action and international cooperation to combat illicit trade, which accounts for about 11% of the global tobacco market and costs governments billions in lost tax revenue.
Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai