You know that you can buy vapes in specialized stores, but the closest one is too far away. So what do you do if you need a vape now, and all you have is a Circle K around the corner?
Does Circle K sell vapes?
Yes, but only in locations without vaping bans. There might also be a limited selection in some locations.
In this article, I will give you a short overview of the issue with the sale of vaping products and where Circle K may not sell any vapes.
Does Circle K Sell Vapes?
Circle K stores in states and cities with no ban on vaping sales generally sell vaping products – but usually, there is only a limited selection of a small number of brands.
In most Circle K stores, you will find JUUL vapes being sold.
Why Do Some Circle K Stores Not Sell Vapes?
If you cannot find any vapes in your local Circle K store, there can be different reasons for it:
- You are located in a city with a ban on selling vapes in stores other than special vaping stores. Or you might even live in a city like San Francisco, where the sale of vapes is banned online and in brick-and-mortar stores.
- The law in your state requires vapes to be sold in an area only accessible by adults. Your local store might not have the space to do this.
- Your Circle K store manager does not want to sell vapes. It is up to them what they stock.
Where Do I Find Vapes In Circle K?
In most Circle K stores, vapes are displayed behind the counter, out of customers’ reach (as it is illegal to provide vaping products to people under the legal age).
In some stores, vapes might even be kept in a side room. In each case, you need to ask the staff to get the vape you want. If you look too young, they will ask for your ID.
Does Circle K Sell Many Different Flavored Vapes?
It depends on the city or state you live in. Some states do not have a full vaping ban but ban certain flavored vapes.
This is because flavored vapes are more attractive to younger people, and there have been additional health concerns connected to certain flavors.
How Old Do I Have To Be To Buy Vapes In Circle K?
Before 2020, the legal age for buying vapes differed from state to state. You will often still find outdated information online regarding this question.
Now, you must be 21 years old to buy and legally use vaping products – no matter which state you are in.
Do I Need To Show My ID To Buy A Vape In Circle K?
Maybe. It depends on how young you look. If the seller suspects you might not be old enough to buy vapes legally, they will ask for your ID.
There are serious consequences for a business that sells vapes to younger people and is caught doing so. No business wants to risk this.
Why Are There Vaping Bans In Some States?
Vaping laws, like alcohol and gambling laws, differ from state to state. This can be confusing and sometimes annoying.
Example: If you are used to buying vaping supplies in a Circle K in your hometown and then visit San Francisco to learn about the total vaping ban, it’s anything but convenient.
But why do these bans exist?
The reason can be different from state to state. And it also depends on who you ask. A politician will tell you it’s all about health concerns or protecting vulnerable teenagers from becoming addicted. Or both.
Ask someone from the vaping industry, and they’ll tell you that the tobacco industry pays politicians to create those bans. After all, the vaping industry is causing some losses to the tobacco industry.
The truth is probably a mix of political and economic games, health concerns, and the fight against a new kind of addiction.
Final Thoughts
Whether you can buy vapes in a Circle K store depends on where you are. In many states, finding vapes in convenience stores is not a problem.
In others, like California, you might be out of luck. Some Californian cities have a total vaping ban or serious limits on what can be sold where.
Familiarize yourself with the local regulations in your city (as cities can also have different regulations than the whole state). If your city allows the sale of vapes outside of vaping stores, you will likely find them in Circle K.
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