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California Bans Disposable Vapes by 2028
1 Oct
Summary
- California will ban disposable nicotine vapes starting in 2028.
- The law targets single-use vapes, excluding cannabis products.
- Environmental concerns drive the ban on e-waste and plastics.
California is poised to become a leader in vape regulation with a new law banning disposable nicotine vapes. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 762, which will prohibit the manufacture and import of these devices starting January 1, 2027, followed by a sales ban on January 1, 2028.
The legislation specifically targets single-use, battery-embedded vaping devices containing tobacco or nicotine. Reusable and refillable vape systems are not affected by this ban. Notably, disposable cannabis vaping devices are exempt from these new restrictions, a point currently under review.
This measure is largely framed as an environmental protection law due to the e-waste and plastic pollution associated with disposable vapes. Their embedded lithium-ion batteries and nicotine residue make recycling challenging.
California's move aligns with a broader trend of states implementing stringent vape regulations, often focusing on product design over flavors. Other states with strict laws include Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Utah, many of which have restricted flavored tobacco products to curb youth usage.
