Virginia Launches Unit to Crack Down on Illegal Vapes and THC
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones has launched a specialized enforcement unit to eliminate illegal vapes, hemp-derived THC, and kratom from store shelves across the Commonwealth. This regulatory push follows the passage of the Vape Enforcement Act (HB 308/SB 360) earlier this year, granting the state broader policing powers.
The newly formed Regulated Products Enforcement Unit will address the rapid influx of unregulated intoxicants. Many of these products contain hazardous ingredients and utilize packaging designed to appeal to children. To combat this, the unit will oversee retail compliance, review manufacturer certifications, and manage Virginia’s Liquid Nicotine and Nicotine Vapor Product Directory.
Investigators will conduct store inspections and coordinate with the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority and public health organizations to track emerging product trends. Businesses found selling unauthorized substances will face civil penalties and potential legal action.
The initiative comes amid heightened scrutiny of local vape shops, which have increasingly become targets for criminal activity and illegal sales. Recent police data highlights this growing security and regulatory challenge in Central Virginia:
| Time Period | Vape Store Break-ins (Richmond) | Key Context |
|---|---|---|
| Full Year 2025 | 20 incidents | Baseline annual criminal activity. |
| First Quarter 2026 | 19 incidents | 16 break-ins targeted 12 shops previously closed under “Operation Vaporize.” |
In addition to break-ins, direct illicit sales remain a primary concern. On July 20, police in Colonial Heights executed a search warrant at Exotic’s Smoke and Convenience Store, seizing illegal drugs, marijuana, unauthorized vape pens, and controlled substances.
State lawmakers emphasize that the new unit will close enforcement gaps. Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg noted that some retailers have exploited legal loopholes to sell illicit products to minors. The new unit aims to hold these bad actors accountable while ensuring a level playing field for law-abiding businesses.
