Several Iowa vape companies have filed a lawsuit to halt the implementation of new state laws and regulations that they claim will restrict their product offerings and benefit tobacco companies. Susie Sharif, the owner of Central Iowa Vapors, which operates 15 locations across the state, founded the company over a decade ago after successfully quitting smoking cigarettes through vaping.
New Law Limits Vape Product Sales
The recently passed legislation, signed into law during the last legislative session, will create a state registry of approved vape products vetted by the FDA. To date, the FDA has authorized only 34 tobacco and menthol-flavored e-cigarette products and devices. Sharif estimates that her company will lose 90% of its products in stores as a result of the new law.
Vape Companies Seek Injunction
The lawsuit, filed by Central Iowa Vapors and other Iowa vape companies, seeks an injunction to stop the implementation of the new law before the final product list is approved on February 1st. CEO Vicki Comegys states that the injunction would allow consumers to access products beyond those offered by "big tobacco" companies.
Lawsuit a "Long Shot" but Necessary
Sharif and Comegys acknowledge that the lawsuit is a long shot but believe that action must be taken to prevent businesses like theirs from being forced to close down. Sharif characterizes the government's actions as "knee-jerk reactions" to the issue of vaping.
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