Bill > H5329

This bill amends Rhode Island's existing tobacco product regulations by defining a "vape shop" and creating a specific exemption for such shops from the state's prohibition on selling flavored electronic nicotine-delivery system (ENDS) products. Specifically, the bill introduces a new definition of a "vape shop" as any premises dedicated to displaying, selling, distributing, delivering, offering, marketing, or furnishing nicotine-delivery system products, liquid nicotine, liquid nicotine containers, or vapor products. Under the existing law, flavored electronic nicotine-delivery system products were completely prohibited from sale in Rhode Island, but this amendment now allows these products to be sold within dedicated vape shops. The bill maintains existing definitions of "characterizing flavor" and "flavored electronic nicotine-delivery system product," which include products with distinguishable tastes or aromas beyond tobacco or menthol. The legislation continues to exempt compassion centers and licensed cannabis cultivators from the flavor prohibition, except for tobacco or nicotine-containing products. The bill will take effect immediately upon its passage.

Business and Industry

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