Vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking cigarettes in recent years, but with its rise in popularity, there have been concerns about the safety and regulation of vaping products. Indiana has been at the forefront of regulating vaping and e-cigarette products, with several laws already in place. In 2023, there will be new Indiana vaping laws that will impact how vapers use and purchase their products. In this article, we will explore the changes in Indiana vaping laws that will take effect in 2023 and how they will affect vapers and the vaping industry.
Introduction
Vaping is a popular alternative to traditional smoking that has gained popularity in recent years, but with its rise in popularity, there have been concerns about the safety and regulation of vaping products. In Indiana, several laws already regulate vaping and e-cigarette products, and in 2023, new laws will take effect that will change how vapers use and purchase their products.
This article will provide an overview of the changes in Indiana vaping laws that will take effect in 2023, and how these changes will impact vapers and the vaping industry.
History of Indiana Vaping Laws
Indiana has been at the forefront of regulating vaping and e-cigarette products since 2015, when the state passed a law that required all e-liquid manufacturers to be certified by the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) in order to sell their products in the state. The certification process was costly and time-consuming, and it effectively created a monopoly in the state, with only a few companies able to afford the certification process.
In 2017, the law was amended to remove the certification requirement and replace it with a licensing system. The licensing system was meant to create a more competitive market, but it still required manufacturers to submit their products to the ATC for approval before they could be sold in the state.
What is Changing in 2023?
In 2023, several changes will take effect that will impact how vapers use and purchase their products in Indiana. These changes include age restrictions, vape shop regulations, product labeling requirements, a flavored vape ban, and taxes on vaping products.
Age Restrictions
Starting in 2023, the legal age to purchase vaping products in Indiana will be raised from 18 to 21 years old. This change brings Indiana in line with federal law, which also sets the legal age for purchasing tobacco and vaping products at 21 years old.
Vape Shop Regulations
In addition to age restrictions, new regulations will be put in place for vape shops. These regulations will require vape shops to obtain a license from the Indiana State Department of Health and follow specific guidelines for employee training and product storage.
Product Labeling Requirements
Starting in 2023, all vaping products sold in Indiana must include a label that includes the product’s ingredients, nicotine content, and the name and address of the manufacturer. This requirement is meant to provide consumers with more information about what they are vaping and to ensure that they are using safe products.
Flavored Vape Ban
The flavored vape ban will apply to all flavored e-liquids, cartridges, and pods, with the exception of menthol and tobacco flavors. The ban is intended to address concerns about the use of flavored products by young people and to reduce the appeal of vaping to minors.
While some advocates argue that the ban could lead to an increase in smoking rates among adults who use vaping as a smoking cessation tool, supporters of the ban believe that it will ultimately have a positive impact on public health.
Taxes on Vaping Products
Starting in 2023, a tax will be placed on vaping products sold in Indiana. The tax will be based on the wholesale price of the product and will be set at 15% for e-liquids and 20% for devices. The tax is intended to provide revenue for the state and to discourage the use of vaping products.
Penalties for Violations
The new Indiana vaping laws will also include penalties for violations. Retailers who sell vaping products to minors will face fines of up to $500 for the first offense and up to $2,000 for subsequent offenses. Retailers who violate other provisions of the law, such as the product labeling requirements, could also face fines.
How Will These Changes Affect Vapers?
The changes to Indiana vaping laws in 2023 will have a significant impact on how vapers use and purchase their products. The increase in the legal age to purchase vaping products may make it more difficult for young people to access these products, while the flavored vape ban may make it harder for adult vapers to find the products they prefer.
The new regulations for vape shops and the product labeling requirements may also increase the cost of vaping products, as manufacturers and retailers may need to invest in new equipment and training to comply with the regulations.
Potential Impact on the Vaping Industry
The changes to Indiana vaping laws in 2023 could have a significant impact on the vaping industry in the state. The flavored vape ban, in particular, could lead to a decrease in sales for manufacturers and retailers who specialize in flavored products.
On the other hand, the new regulations for vape shops could create opportunities for businesses that are able to comply with the regulations and provide high-quality products and services to consumers.
Conclusion
The changes to Indiana vaping laws in 2023 will impact how vapers use and purchase their products in the state. While the new laws are intended to address concerns about the safety and regulation of vaping products, they may also make it more difficult for some vapers to access the products they prefer.
It remains to be seen how the new laws will affect the vaping industry in Indiana, but it is likely that some businesses will struggle to comply with the regulations while others will be able to thrive in the new environment.
