Several large states and metropolitan areas are considering or have implemented bans on vape products, moves Cannabiz leaders say could devastate the industry.
In the toughest crackdown so far, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) announced a four-month ban on sales of all vape products.
- The move will force 300 (non-cannabis) vape shops to close.
Bloomberg - In Reason, libertarian writer Jacob Sullum argues the Massachusetts ban is bad for public health, in part because adult nicotine vapers will return to cigarettes. The piece also discusses likely causes of the disease at the anatomical level.
A proposed yearlong-ban on cannabis vape sales in Los Angeles, “could quite possibly represent the death of the regulated industry,” Kenny Morrison, president of the California Cannabis Manufacturers Association told MJBiz Daily.
- “It will represent such poor judgment that it’ll have a chilling effect that goes far beyond vape companies,” Morrison said.
- It’s not clear if the bill, introduced by L.A. City Councilman Paul Krekorian (D), has the support to pass.
Elsewhere Washington state, Michigan and New York have moved to ban vapes in kid-friendly flavors and President Trump has suggested doing the same nationally.
ABC, NBC, Time
- California warned to stop vaping immediately, but did not ban the products.
L.A. Times