New York Rule: Flavored Vape Products Banned From May 18, Online Sales Illegal

On May 17, reports emerged that starting May 18 (Monday), retailers in New York State will be prohibited from selling flavored vape products, and the sale of all tobacco products in pharmacies will also come to an end.

"Entities related to health should not engage in the tobacco sales business, as tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in New York State," Governor Andrew Cuomo stated in a press release. "Ending the sale of tobacco and vaping products in pharmacies will help reduce the availability, visibility, and social acceptability of tobacco use, especially among young people."

The measure also makes it illegal to sell electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) through phone and mail orders online.

Last September, New York became the first state in the U.S. to ban flavored e-cigarettes. Cuomo announced this decision as part of a series of efforts to combat the rising use of vaping products among youth. Cuomo stated that flavors like "bubblegum" and "cotton candy" are deliberately designed to target young people, which is "undeniable."