Rhode Island Senators Propose Lifting 2019 Ban on Flavored Vapes

Rhode Island Senators Lou DiPalma, Frank Ciccone, and Walter Felag have introduced legislation to repeal the state’s ban on flavored vapes. This controversial move aims to provide adult smokers with less harmful alternatives while establishing specialized retail shops that would funnel a portion of their revenue directly into smoking cessation programs.

Flavored e-cigarettes were initially restricted in Rhode Island via a 2019 executive order by then-Gov. Gina Raimondo to combat rising youth usage, a mandate that officially became law in 2025. Currently, only menthol, tobacco, and unflavored e-cigarettes are legally available at licensed distributors.

To reverse this, DiPalma’s bill would amend state law to create a new category of dedicated “electronic nicotine delivery system shops.” These stores would be exempt from the flavor restriction, allowing the sale of fruit, mint, and candy-flavored products.

To balance the reintroduction of flavors, the legislation includes strict regulatory stipulations:

• Revenue Sharing: 10% of ENDS sales revenue from these shops must be transferred to tobacco cessation programs.
• Stricter Enforcement: Penalties for any sales violations would be doubled.
• Age Restrictions: The legal purchasing age remains strictly 21, with DiPalma committing to strict accountability.

DiPalma argues that properly regulated nicotine alternatives expose users to fewer toxicants than combustible cigarettes, aiding adult transition. “Securing reliable, annual funding for smoking cessation programs ensures consistent access to proven interventions,” he stated.

• Read more: Nicotine E-Cigarettes Most Effective for Smoking Cessation: Oxford Study

However, local prevention advocates and even some smoke shop owners express deep concern. Melanie Saunders of the Newport Prevention Coalition warned that sweet flavors easily addict youths because they lack the harshness of traditional cigarettes.

Data indicates that the 2019 ban has shown measurable success in reducing youth consumption. According to surveys in Newport County, high school vaping rates have steadily declined since the restrictions began:

A similar amendment to lift the ban was introduced in the House last year but died in committee. The current proposal now sits on the Senate Finance Committee docket, where DiPalma serves as chair.

• News reference: Ban on Flavored Vapes Could be Lifted

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.

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