Acton To Impose New Vaping Regulations Following End Of State Ban

ACTON, MA — On the heels of the end of Massachusetts' ban on vaping products, Acton is imposting new regulations on vape and tobacco products. The state ban was lifted on Wednesday, meaning tobacco sales permit holders in Acton are able to continue the sale of certain vape products.

"A collaborative effort between the Town of Acton and the state aims to strengthen regulations on vaping and tobacco products to ensure the safety of our residents," Town Manager John Mangiaratti said. "As the ban is lifted, we ask that permit holders continue to act with due diligence and only sell to those of legal age."

On Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, town and state regulations will merge together to create new health regulations regarding the sale of tobacco and vape products. The merger will be an intersection between the new state law and Acton's new health regulations.

The new regulations will include the prohibition of the sale of mint, menthol and wintergreen flavored vaping products set by the state. Additionally, the sale of flavored traditional tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, snus and chewing tobacco will be banned under Acton's regulations.

State law permits adult-only tobacco retail stores to sell stronger solutions with higher nicotine amounts. Adult-only tobacco retail stores are also exempt from the local regulations, though Acton does not currently have any adult-only retail tobacco stores.

As of June 1, 2020, a new state law limiting the sale of flavored vaping and tobacco products, will go into effect which will end the adult-only tobacco retail stores local exemption. At that time, adult-only stores will be subjected to the same regulations as all other tobacco sales permit holders which will only allow the sale of unflavored and tobacco-flavored traditional tobacco and vape products.