Alabama’s new regulations on e-cigarettes and alternative nicotine products officially took effect on June 1, 2025, aiming to reduce youth vaping across the state.
House Bill 8, sponsored by Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile), introduces tighter controls on the sale and distribution of vaping products. “From the classrooms to the community, we saw this becoming an epidemic,” Drummond said in May, emphasizing the law’s goal to prevent youth access and usage.
Under HB8, only vaping products manufactured in the United States and among the 34 tobacco and menthol-flavored e-cigarettes authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may be sold in Alabama convenience stores. All other vape products must be sold exclusively in stores that restrict sales to individuals aged 21 and older.
The legislation also requires the State Board of Education to develop a model vaping awareness, education, and prevention program. Local school boards must then adopt policies based on this model to further combat youth vaping.
The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC) outlined that the law defines two types of retail permits for businesses selling vape products. The tobacco permit allows sales of tobacco, non-vapor nicotine products, and FDA-approved vapor-based nicotine devices. Meanwhile, a specialty retailer permit covers a broader range of e-liquids and electronic nicotine delivery systems compliant with state and federal laws, but limits sales strictly to customers aged 21 and over, with mandatory signage to reflect this restriction.
These new measures mark Alabama’s effort to tighten vape product regulations and reduce access among minors, aligning with nationwide trends to address the ongoing vaping epidemic.
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