A new law banning the sale of disposable nicotine vapes not authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially taken effect in Mississippi. House Bill 916, implemented on December 1st, mandates that retailers can now only sell products from a specific government-approved list, aiming to remove unregulated items from shelves.
The legislation has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters like Kelvincia Murrell applaud the move, citing health concerns. “It wasn’t FDA approved anyways and it was very unhealthy to our bodies and our brains,” Murrell stated. Lawmakers pushed for the bill to ensure consumer safety by eliminating unregulated products.
However, the ban has faced criticism from both consumers and business owners. Amber Barham expressed frustration over the lack of public input, arguing, “I feel like it should have been a people’s choice.” Retailers are feeling the economic impact most acutely. One shop owner, Street, reported a drop in foot traffic and significant financial loss due to wasted inventory. “I can’t do anything with the things they say that I can’t sell so I’ve got a lot of products that I’m just going to have to throw away,” he lamented, noting customers dislike being restricted from products legal elsewhere.
Retailers found violating the new law face steep penalties, with fines ranging from $500 to $1,500 per product, per day. While some community members hope shops can find “healthier ways to keep their doors open,” the tension between public health regulation and consumer choice remains high.
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