Rhode Island
Flavored vape ban takes effect in Rhode Island
(WJAR) — A flavored vape ban is now in effect in Rhode Island.
It’s just one of a list of new laws across Southern New England starting in 2025.
The ban on the sale or “possession with intent to sell” flavored vape products went into effect on New Year’s Day.
Vape stores are critical of the ban and said the new law will hurt business.
State leaders said E-cigarettes are dangerous, especially for children.
Teachers have even had conferences to discuss vaping problems in the classroom.
“We hear from counselors and teachers that students are really struggling with nicotine addiction. One out of three Rhode Islanders have tried e-cigarettes and currently 17% report past 30-day use,” said Natalie Kimmerlein, with the South County Prevention Coalition.
A new vape tax will also go into effect. Single-use vape products will be taxed at 50 cents per milliliter of liquid.
Meanwhile, there will be a 10% tax on the wholesale price of Refillable E-cigarettes.
Two local vape companies filed a motion in court to try to delay the flavor ban, but a federal judge denied it.