Washington Gov. Signs Order to Ban Flavored Vape Products
Last Friday , Washington Governor Inslee, signed an executive order that will ban all flavored vape products for a period of 120 days.
The ban has not yet taken effect; however, the State Board of Health is expected to adhere to Inslee's order and issue the ban at their next meeting on October 9th.
Once the ban has gone into effect, Washington will join New York, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, as the fifth state to issue a ban on vape products.
Economical Impact of the Washington Vape Ban
While Governor Inslee, along with other supporters of the vape ban, claims that vaping has become an "epidemic," there remains no valid evidence proving that flavored vape products are actually the cause of the respiratory illness-related deaths that began this witch hunt.
Despite the clear lack of evidence supporting the Washington vape ban, Governor Inslee's executive order will temporarily force them into law.
Once the ban has gone into effect, flavored vape products will be illegal and Washington businesses will be forced to remove all flavored vape products from their shelves.
While legitimate businesses will be forced to adhere to the vape ban, it will not solve this problem and it will not prevent people from obtaining vape products. Due to the ban, vape products will be removed from legitimate businesses, however, they will still be available on the black market.
With the inability to purchase vape products legally, some will simply turn to the black market, which would fuel crime and deter the economy further.
Health Impacts of The Washington Vape Ban
Perhaps worse than the negative impact the Washington Vape Ban will have on its economy is the devastating impact it will have on its people.
Most vapers rely on e-cigarettes as an alternative to smoking and some have been vaping for over a decade. Vaping is more than an activity or a lifestyle, it's a source of relief, a refuge, and an important component of many people's lives.
Needless to say, the impacts these vape bans will have on many vapers can be devastating.
Take Action Against the Vape Bans
As vape bans continue to impact the residents of more and more states, it's most important now more than ever to not lose hope and stand up to support the industry and each other.
This industry is facing a big threat, but with the support of each vaper, there's no challenge this industry can't overcome. To find out how you can get involved and take action, check out the Call to Action resource centers below:
If you're a resident of New York, Michigan, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, or Washington, our prayers go out to you. Keep your head up, the fights not over and every vaper is here fighting to stop these vape bans. If there's one thing we've learned over the years, it's that the vape industry can endure anything.