Mississippi is gearing up to enforce new regulations on vape products, with the signing of House Bill 916 into law by the Governor. The law, set to take effect later this year, is expected to significantly reduce the number of vape products that can be legally sold in the state.
Starting October 1st, the Commissioner of Revenue will provide a directory of authorized products, and retailers will have a 60-day window to sell or remove any unauthorized items from their inventory. Vape Plus District Manager Alan Fortin expresses concern over the impact on their business, estimating that over 50% of their current inventory may be affected.
The eligible products will align with federal regulations, although the FDA currently does not "approve" vape products but has "authorized" products from three manufacturers. While Fortin believes vaping offers a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, the President of the Mississippi State Medical Association, Dr. Jennifer Bryan, celebrates the new law as a step in the right direction to address the public health issue of vape-associated lung injury, particularly among youth.
Dr. Bryan emphasizes the importance of responsible access and better guardrails to prevent children from accessing these products. The new regulations aim to strike a balance between adult access and protecting public health.
