Vaping is seen as an alternative to smoking “proper” cigarettes. It has also been in the news since 2019, when the first vaping bans were issued in the USA. So, where do you go if you want to buy vapes today?
Do grocery stores sell vapes?
Yes, some grocery stores sell vapes in states where vaping is legal. However, some states vaping is illegal and you will not find them for sale at grocery stores. Keep in mind, even in legal states some grocery stores still choose not to sell vapes.
There is a lot of regulation concerning the sale of all tobacco products, which includes vapes. In some states, vaping is almost fully banned. In other states, flavored vapes and the online sale of vapes are banned.
Many grocery stores decide against selling vapes because it is too much of a hassle.
If you want to find out more and learn about topics like why even Walmart stopped selling vapes, keep reading.
Do Grocery Stores Sell Vapes?
Like alcohol sales, the sales of tobacco are different in each state. In recent years, there have been multiple vaping bans in various degrees in many states – some full bans, some bans of flavored vapes, and online sales.
Some grocery stores sell tobacco products and vapes, but they must follow strict rules about where to sell them. Retailers also need to check the age of people who look like they could be under 27 years old.
Only people over 21 are allowed to buy vapes. Often, vapes need to be kept in a location separate from the main store that only adults may enter. This is an extra hassle that many grocery stores do not want.
If you want to buy vapes, a small grocery store is not the best place to look for them, especially if you live in a city where the sale of vaping equipment is banned.
Do Gas Stations Sell Vapes?
It depends on which state and city you are in.
Gas stations in states that have not banned vaping will mainly sell disposable vapes. They may only have a limited selection of products.
Does Walmart Sell Vapes?
No, Walmart does not sell vapes any more.
Walmart used to sell vapes but stopped doing so in 2019. They sold their remaining stock but then did not order any new vapes.
According to Walmart, the main reasons for this are the “growing federal, state, and local regulatory complexity and uncertainty” and growing health concerns about using e-cigarettes.
Look here for more information about the FDA and its rules for selling various tobacco products and e-cigarettes.
Can I Buy Vapes Online?
Again, it depends on which state you are in. Some states in the USA have banned online sales of vaping products.
Even Amazon is steering clear of the vaping business as it is just too easy to get into trouble with the law.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Buy Vapes?
Since December 2019, the legal age for buying any tobacco product has increased from 19 to 21 years in the USA. For more information, visit the FDA’s official page on Tobacco 21.
Final Thoughts
It has become a bit harder to buy vaping products since 2019, but vaping stores still exist and are the best place to buy vapes legally.
In vaping stores, you will also get advice; you can be sure they are stocking only what is legally allowed to sell.
Please educate yourself on the vaping laws in your own state to ensure you are not breaking them.
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