Vape stores are still holding their breaths as the FDA pushes to regulate the products more and more. Some believe that the big tobacco companies and the FDA will both take part in taking out the vape innovation completely. Here are some things that they are seeking to do:
1. Regulate e juices, all e juice flavors will have to be FDA approved before they can be legally sold. This can cost upwards to the millions of dollars especially if you offer a variety of e juice flavors. This means, big tobacco companies, who do have that type of funding can step in and knock all the small juice blenders out of the game.
2. Disallowing free samples. I know when I walk into a vape store here in New York, I see plenty of people testing out a variety of flavors. I think sampling goes a long way in terms of creating sales.
3. Vaping cannot be advertised as a safer alternative as opposed to traditional tobacco, unless there is some scientific evidence behind that. This is what I don’t understand, why is there still no science behind it?
4. They may also raise taxes on vape products similar to tobacco products, forcing vendors to raise their prices on their products. Many believe that this will drive potential customers away, and the switch over to electronic might just not be affordable to them or worth it. Juices can cost as much or more than a pack of cigarettes.
5. Disallowing vending machines for e juices or vape products. I never knew there were such a thing, but it sounds pretty self explanatory. Cool idea though, guys.
We need to understand a few things when the FDA seeks to regulate vape products. Firstly, it is important that these substances within the e juice are safe to use. Realistically, most e juice bottles do not include the ingredients contained within. Secondly, EVERY major vape store here in New York sells vape clones. Both the FDA and the general public has heard stories of pens leaking or exploding. We can assume that these are due to the cheap imitations that some vendors sell.
We chose to opt out of this business because we believe that it will not last long enough to be worthwhile.
