Nebraska’s new vape registry law (LB-1204) has mandated the removal of unapproved vaping products from store shelves, banning popular brands like Geek Bar and Lost Mary. Retailers face significant financial losses and uncertainty as they comply with the state’s approved product list.
Key Takeaways:
- Banned Brands: Popular names like Geek Bar, Fogers, and Lost Mary are now illegal to sell.
- Financial Impact: Retailers report losing thousands of dollars in inventory; one owner cited a $12,000 loss.
- Approved Products: Brands like Juul and Vuse remain legal as they are on the registry.
LB-1204 refers to the new Nebraska legislation that establishes a mandatory state registry for vaping products, effectively banning the sale of any item not explicitly approved by the state. As the law took effect this Wednesday, retailers across Nebraska were forced to clear their shelves of popular but unapproved brands.
Retailers Face Losses and Uncertainty
The impact on local businesses has been immediate and costly. Joseph Fraas, owner of G & G Smoke & Vape Shop with locations in Omaha and Lincoln, reported having to pull approximately $12,000 worth of inventory. “To be honest, those are all of the favorite vapes… There’s a lot of great brands that we had to get rid of,” Fraas stated, noting that banned products like Geek Bar and Lost Mary accounted for about 10% of his total sales.
Beyond the immediate financial hit, retailers are struggling with the fluidity of the approved list. “The list keeps changing. We’ve already placed some bigger orders and we do not know what is going on,” Fraas explained. While major tobacco-affiliated brands like Juul and Vuse remain available, the sudden removal of diverse options poses a threat to vape-only stores. Businesses found selling non-compliant products now face potential fines.
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