Is Maryland Banning Flavored Vapes? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re a vaper in Maryland, you may be wondering whether flavored vapes are going to be banned. The answer is yes and no. Maryland has taken steps to limit the sale of flavored vapes, but a complete ban has not been implemented yet.

In February 2023, Maryland lawmakers introduced a bill called SB 259 that would ban the sale of flavored tobacco products, including flavored e-cigarettes and menthol cigarettes. However, the bill has not yet been signed into law. In the meantime, Maryland has already banned the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, which are a popular alternative to traditional vapes.

It’s worth noting that Maryland is not alone in its efforts to restrict the sale of flavored vapes. Several other states have already implemented similar bans, and the federal government has also taken steps to limit the sale of flavored e-cigarettes. If you’re a vaper in Maryland, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest regulations and to be aware of any changes that may affect your ability to purchase flavored vapes.

Understanding Vaping and Flavored Vapes

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If you’re curious about vaping, you’re not alone. Vaping is a popular alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes, and it’s often marketed as a safer option. Vaping involves inhaling vapor from an electronic device, such as a vape pen or e-cigarette. The device heats up a liquid, known as e-juice or vape juice, which contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals.

One of the most popular types of e-juice is flavored vape juice. Flavors range from fruity to sweet to savory, and they’re often marketed to appeal to younger users. However, flavored vape juice has come under scrutiny in recent years, as health officials have raised concerns about the potential risks of vaping.

In Maryland, there has been a push to ban flavored vapes, as lawmakers are concerned about the impact on young people. According to a PDF law guide, the state has already banned the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, with the exception of tobacco and menthol flavors. There are also proposals to ban the sale of all flavored e-cigarettes, flavored cigars, and menthol cigarettes.

Proponents of the ban argue that flavored vapes are particularly appealing to young people, who are more likely to start vaping if they are exposed to flavors. They also argue that flavored vapes are often marketed to children, with colorful packaging and advertising that mimics popular candy and snack brands.

Opponents of the ban argue that flavored vapes are an important tool for adult smokers who are trying to quit. They also argue that the ban would lead to a black market for flavored vapes, which could be more dangerous than regulated products.

Regardless of the outcome of the debate, it’s clear that vaping and flavored vapes will continue to be a topic of conversation in Maryland and beyond.

Current Status of Vaping Laws in Maryland

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If you’re wondering whether Maryland is banning flavored vapes, the answer is no. However, the state has implemented several laws and regulations related to vaping. Here’s what you need to know about the current status of vaping laws in Maryland:

Minimum Age to Purchase Vapes

Maryland law prohibits the sale of tobacco products, including vapes, to anyone under the age of 21. This law applies to both in-person and online sales. Retailers who violate this law may face fines and other penalties.

Taxation of Vapes

Maryland imposes a tax on vaping products. As of March 14, 2021, the state has an enhanced sales and use tax (SUT) for “electronic smoking devices” (ESD) and containers of vaping liquid. The SUT for ESD is 12% of the retail sales price, and the SUT for vaping liquid is 60% of the retail sales price.

Restrictions on Vaping in Public Places

Maryland law prohibits vaping in certain public places, including indoor areas of restaurants and bars, public transportation, and workplaces. This law is designed to protect non-smokers from exposure to secondhand vapor.

Regulation of Vaping Products

Maryland law requires that all vaping products sold in the state be registered with the Maryland Department of Health. The law also requires that all vaping liquid containers be child-resistant and have warning labels.

Conclusion

While Maryland is not banning flavored vapes, the state has implemented several laws and regulations related to vaping. These laws are designed to protect public health and ensure that vaping products are safe and properly regulated. As a vaper in Maryland, it’s important to be aware of these laws and comply with them to avoid fines and other penalties.

Proposed Changes to Maryland’s Vape Laws

Flavored Vape Ban

Maryland has taken a strong stance against flavored vapes, with a ban on the sale of disposable flavored e-cigarettes and a tax on vaping product sales. As of September 15, 2023, Maryland law prohibits the sale of flavored e-cigarettes, including menthol, mint, and wintergreen flavors. The ban also includes disposable flavored e-cigarettes, which are not covered by the federal ban on flavored vapes. The ban does not apply to tobacco and menthol flavors.

The goal of the flavored vape ban is to reduce youth vaping rates and protect public health. Flavored vapes are popular among young people, and studies have shown that they are more likely to become addicted to nicotine when they start with flavored products. By banning flavored vapes, Maryland hopes to prevent young people from starting to vape and reduce the number of people who become addicted to nicotine.

Impact on Retailers

The flavored vape ban has had a significant impact on retailers in Maryland. Retailers who sell flavored vapes must remove them from their shelves or face penalties. Some retailers have reported a decrease in sales since the ban went into effect, while others have seen an increase in sales of tobacco and menthol flavors.

In addition to the ban on flavored vapes, Maryland has also imposed a tax on vaping product sales. The tax is intended to fund major changes to the state’s education system. The tax rate is $0.30 per milliliter of e-liquid, which means that a 60-milliliter bottle of e-liquid would be subject to an $18 tax.

Overall, the proposed changes to Maryland’s vape laws are aimed at reducing youth vaping rates and protecting public health. While the ban on flavored vapes and the tax on vaping product sales have had a significant impact on retailers, they are seen as necessary steps to address the growing problem of youth vaping.

Public Opinion on the Flavored Vape Ban

The proposed ban on flavored vapes in Maryland has received mixed reactions from the public. While some people support the ban, others are against it. Here are the perspectives of both supporters and opponents of the ban.

Supporters’ Perspective

Supporters of the flavored vape ban argue that it will help reduce the number of young people who start vaping. They believe that the fruity and sweet flavors of vapes attract young people and make them more likely to try vaping, which can lead to nicotine addiction and other health problems.

Additionally, supporters of the ban believe that flavored vapes are marketed towards children and that the ban will help protect them from the harmful effects of vaping. They argue that the tobacco industry has a history of marketing to young people and that flavored vapes are just another way for them to do so.

Opponents’ Perspective

Opponents of the flavored vape ban argue that it will hurt small businesses and lead to job losses. They believe that many vape shops will be forced to close if they can no longer sell flavored vapes, which will have a negative impact on the economy.

Additionally, opponents of the ban argue that adults should have the right to choose what flavors they want to vape. They believe that the ban is an infringement on their personal freedom and that it will not actually prevent young people from vaping.

Overall, the flavored vape ban in Maryland is a controversial issue that has sparked debate among the public. While supporters believe that it will help protect young people from the harmful effects of vaping, opponents argue that it will hurt small businesses and infringe on personal freedom.

Comparative Analysis

Maryland vs Other States

Maryland is not the only state that has proposed or implemented a ban on flavored vapes. As of October 2023, several states have already implemented a ban on flavored vapes, including New York, California, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Some states have only banned specific flavors, such as Michigan’s ban on flavored nicotine pods.

Maryland’s proposed ban is more comprehensive than some other states, as it would ban all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. The proposed ban would also include flavored e-cigarettes and vaping products.

Federal Regulations

The federal government has also implemented regulations on flavored vapes. In 2020, the FDA implemented a ban on all flavored cartridge-based e-cigarettes, except for menthol and tobacco flavors. The ban does not apply to disposable e-cigarettes or open-tank vaping systems.

However, despite federal regulations and state bans, flavored vapes are still widely available. NPR reported in July 2023 that disposable and fruit and candy flavored vapes are still being sold illegally in the US.

It is important to note that regulations and bans on flavored vapes are still a hotly debated topic. Supporters of bans argue that flavored vapes are marketed towards youth and can lead to nicotine addiction. Opponents argue that bans on flavored vapes infringe on personal choice and can lead to an increase in black market sales.