Flavored Vaping Ban Starts Wednesday: What You Need To Know

MICHIGAN — As of Wednesday, Oct. 2, Michigan retailers are no longer allowed to sell flavored e-cigarettes. If they do, they risk jail time or being fined, according to state documents.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer passed the ban on the flavored vaping calling it a health crisis for children, who are often attracted to the flavors like cotton candy or fruit.

Vape businesses are against the ruling, stating the emergency ruling goes against the state's normal lawmaking process, according to reports. They have been seeking a temporary restraining order on the ban, WDIV reported.

The state's Department of Health and Human Services said the ban was effective immediately and gave retailers, including online sellers, two weeks to comply. Now, violators could face 6 months of prison or fine.

Rules and penalties in Michigan were released by the state this week and Michigan retailers are not allowed to sell vaping products that have the taste or aroma other than that of tobacco. That means tastes or aromas of food or drink are not allowed, including but not limited to menthol, mint, wintergreen, fruit, chocolate, vanilla, honey, candy, cocoa, dessert, alcoholic beverages, herbs or spices.

Retailers also are not allowed to use any imagery "explicitly or implicitly representing a characterizing flavor to sell, offer for sale, give, or otherwise distribute a vape product."

Anyone who violates the rules will be charged with a misdemeanor. If they are found guilty they could face 6 months of imprisonment, a fine of no more than $200, or both.