Texas to Ban Chinese-Made Vapes Under New Law (SB 2024)

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Texas Vape Ban

A new Texas state law, Senate Bill 2024, is set to take effect on September 1st, requiring smoke shop owners to pull many Chinese-made vape products from their shelves. The legislation is designed to align state regulations with federal guidelines and protect children from potentially harmful and enticing products.

State Representative Shelley Luther supported the bill, stating, “We have an adversary of ours, a country, China, sending us products that we’re putting directly in stores. Don’t even know what’s going into these products.” She highlighted concerns that many Chinese-based products are disguised to look like toys, aiming to attract students.

However, the new law has drawn criticism from local smoke shop employees like Andrew Calvert in Bonham, who fears a significant financial impact. “With those products not being available anymore, it’s going to reduce our profits… 25 to 33 percent,” he said. Calvert argued that the ban is just an “excuse” and that his shop’s goal is to help people quit smoking. He feels the legislation, on top of existing tariffs, will only hurt small businesses more. The bill also reportedly applies to cannabinoid products, including THC and CBD.

Matthew Ma
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