New York Governor Looks to Ban Flavored E-Cigarettes Statewide Amid Marijuana Vaping Risks

Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, in implementing a statewide ban on the sale of flavored e-cigarettes. This is due to recent health concerns related to nicotine and marijuana vaping. Michigan was the first state to take such action. The Public Health and Health Planning Council can issue emergency regulations that would go into effect as soon as they are voted in. They could be in effect as soon as two weeks with a limited grace period given to retailers.

Cuomo’s ban on e-cigarettes could be detrimental to the cannabis industry – vape products in particular. Vaporizers have been the fastest growing product segment in the cannabis industry. The negative publicity surrounding vaping could prompt states with legal marijuana programs to target vapes. The Trump administration is also looking to ban the sale of flavored e-cigarettes. This could have effects on the marijuana vape market if federal legalization takes place.

The sale of vaporizers has fallen in California, Colorado, Nevada and Washington state. Health authorities are investigating hundreds of breathing illnesses and six deaths reports in relation to e-cigarettes and other vaping devices.