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VTA Insider August 2026: VTA Is Advocating For You

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Welcome back to VTA Insider – your trusted source for the latest developments shaping the vapor and nicotine industries.

From in-the-room insights in Washington, D.C. to real-time updates from the front lines in state legislatures, VTA Insider keeps you informed on the policies, threats, and victories that directly impact your business and consumers.

A Message From VTA’s Executive Director

VTA is leading the fight to defend the flavored nicotine vaping industry at the state and federal levels. 

The future of this industry is being shaped right now. Join VTA and help ensure independent businesses and adult consumers have a voice in that process. Join us today

New VTA Polling

The Big Picture. VTA released new survey data from pollster and former senior counselor to President Trump, Kellyanne Conway. The nationwide poll of over 1,200 voters reveals that strong majorities of voters want President Trump’s approach to deregulation applied to vapor products. 

What We Found. All voters and, especially President Trump’s voters, overwhelmingly reject efforts to ban flavored vaping products and support dramatic reform to the current FDA rules governing vapor products. Science-based, common-sense policy is widely popular amongst all voters. The message from voters is clear – replace nonsensical regulations with standards rooted in science. 

By the numbers. Strong majorities of voters want dramatic change:

  • 71% agree that current FDA vape rules should be repealed and replaced with science-based guidelines that set clear standards for manufacturers. 
  • 67% agree that FDA regulations should reflect adult consumer demand for flavored vaping products while maintaining protections to prevent youth access. Support is higher for Trump voters and parents of teens (71%).
  • 65% support FDA vaping reform, which opens the door to flavored vaping products. Support is higher with Trump voters, older men, dads, parents with teens, young adults, and black voters.

What We’re Saying. Click here to read VTA’s press release on the poll’s results.

State of the States

What We’re Doing. Across the country, the independent vaping industry’s only national coordinated state lobbying strategy is in full force.

Attending Events. VTA’s team attended key legislative conferences to continue building relationships with legislators, state officials, and policy leaders from across the country and educating them on the truth about flavored vaping products. Over the past several weeks, our State Affairs team has participated in the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) Annual Meeting and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). 

Hosting Events. At both conferences, VTA hosted events, creating spaces for our team to coordinate strategy, discuss priority states, and finalize legislative plans for upcoming state sessions with legislators.

What’s Next. These meetings continue to strengthen VTA’s relationships with key policymakers and position the association for a proactive and successful 2027 legislative season. We look forward to putting these plans into action in the months ahead.

Protect Your House: To learn more about what we’re doing to protect your state, become a member of VTA today! 

Distributor Spotlight – Asha Retail & Wholesale / 7 Stars Wholesale

Asha Retail & Wholesale / 7 Stars Wholesale is a U.S.-based wholesale distributor specializing in premium disposable vape devices and nicotine products designed for strong retail performance and reliability. They focus on helping smoke shops and vape retailers grow with confidence and partner with leading brands to provide high-quality, retail-ready products that deliver customer satisfaction and shelf appeal. 

The curated product selection emphasizes their commitment to dependable inventory, competitive pricing, and streamlined ordering. By staying ahead of trends and innovation, Asha Retail & Wholesale / 7 Stars Wholesale remains a trusted partner, dedicated to supporting vape shops nationwide.

Join VTA Today and Stand with Us in this Fight

VTA is your voice in Washington and at the state level, where Big Tobacco continues to spend millions of dollars to pressure regulators into giving them what they want while sidelining independent vape. Our advocacy matters now more than ever. We have an opportunity to create real reform, but only if we speak with one voice. 

Our work to build relationships within the Trump administration has ensured that we are viewed as the best-positioned ally to help them solve the regulatory challenges that have long plagued this industry. This level of impact only happens when our industry supports our mission. 

VTA is fighting every day to protect flavored vaping products, defend harm reduction, and ensure a predictable future for our American independent vaping businesses. 

But we can’t do it alone. Become a member AND a champion in the fight to save flavored vapes!

Join the Fight

Stay tuned. Stay tuned in with us for lots of new developments, and make sure your friends and colleagues are signed up here to receive our news and information.

Got questions? If you have any questions about the issues we have covered, have suggestions for content, or how you can support our efforts, please feel free to contact us at info@vaportechnology.org. 

New Poll: Trump Voters and Bipartisan Majority Support President Trump Introducing Real and Commonsense Vaping Reform

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Washington, D.C. – Tuesday, August 4, 2026 – The Vapor Technology Association (VTA) today released new survey data from pollster and former senior counselor to President Trump, Kellyanne Conway, revealing that all voters and President Trump’s voters overwhelmingly reject efforts to ban flavored vaping products and support dramatic, fundamental reform to the current FDA rules for vapor products.

The nationwide survey of 1,204 registered voters, which includes an oversample of 200 2024 Trump voters, conducted June 25-29, 2026, reveals that a majority of voters are in favor of applying President Trump’s deregulatory policies to vapor products. They support the framework President Trump established in 2019 when he raised the federal purchasing age to 21 and rejected the FDA’s request to ban flavored vaping products for adults outright, thereby protecting kids aggressively and trusting adults to make their own decisions. 

“Americans have once again made it clear where they stand when it comes to vaping policy. More than 70% of voters want the current rules for vapor products repealed and replaced with clear scientific standards. They do not support the sweeping bans and threat to personal choice that defined the last administration,” said Kellyanne Conway. “Americans inherently associate President Trump with fewer unnecessary, burdensome government regulations, and that’s part of why he’s gained a loyal following.  They expect him to apply this philosophy to the issues that hit close to home, like adult vaping. Adult Americans are clear – they want the Trump Administration to fix these broken Biden-Harris-era regulations while protecting minors.”

Among Trump voters, 72% support repealing the current FDA approval rules and replacing them with science-based guidelines and clear standards. Additionally, 75% support requiring vapor products to meet specific scientific benchmarks and over three-quarters of voters believe that vapor products with pending FDA applications that do not target youth should remain on the market while a new approval system is implemented.

“Kellyanne Conway’s polling proves that the American people stand with VTA in our fight for a streamlined regulatory pathway for flavored vaping products,” said Tony Abboud, Executive Director of VTA. “In 2024, vaping voters turned out in support for President Trump and his promise to save the flavored vaping industry. Clearly, Americans want the FDA to repeal Biden’s rules banning flavored vapes and fix the broken regulatory system once and for all by setting clear, scientific benchmarks that will allow American adults to choose the products they prefer. Doing so is a fundamentally America-first policy.”

The survey results confirm that support for repealing the current FDA rule and replacing it with science-based, common-sense policy is widely popular amongst all voters and even more so with President Trump’s voters. The message from his base is unmistakable: end nonsensical regulation and replace it with standards rooted in hard science. 

Key Findings: 

Voters View Vape Ban as an Attack on their Freedom of Choice; Want Flavored Vape Reform that Respects their Choices and an Adult Cessation Campaign

This issue is about protecting adults’ ability to make their own choices. Calls for banning flavored vapes are widely seen as an example of government overreach and a warning sign of what the future could look like. 

  • Nearly nine in ten voters (88%) believe adults should be trusted to make their own choices about the products they buy and use, so long as associated health risks have been disclosed. 
  • Most voters (67%) believe the federal government is too involved in telling adults what choices they should be making about their personal lives, including what they eat, drink, say, or believe. 
  • 65% of voters support FDA vaping reform, which opens the door to flavored vaping products. Support is higher with Trump voters, older men, dads, parents with teens, young adults, and black voters.
  • Two-thirds of voters (67%) agree that FDA regulations should reflect adult consumer demand for flavored vaping products while maintaining protections to prevent youth access. Support is higher for Trump voters and parents of teens (71%). 
  • Over three-quarters of voters (77%) believe that vapor products with pending FDA applications that do not target youth should remain on the market while a new approval system is implemented. 
  • 59% of voters want a public education campaign encouraging adult smokers to consider vaping or nicotine pouches as lower-risk alternatives, including Republicans (61%), Democrats (60%), and Independents (56%).

Voters Want Regulatory Clarity, Certainty, and Science – Not Regulatory Guesswork

All voters and Trump voters want a smarter framework that focuses on transparent, science-based criteria. Implementing a new system is viewed as leveling the playing field for smaller manufacturers. 

  • 71% of voters agree that the current FDA vapor rules should be repealed and replaced with science-based guidelines that set clear standards for manufacturers. 
  • More than 3 in 4 voters (77%) support reforming the current system with science-based benchmarks, such as ingredient purity standards. 
  • Over two-thirds of Trump voters (70%) celebrate the creation of a streamlined regulatory system that encourages products to be made in the United States rather than in foreign countries, like China. 
  • Over half of Trump voters (53%) agree that the FDA’s system should be affordable and allow small businesses to compete against big tobacco companies for market share. 

Voters Don’t View Vaping as Youth Priority but Strongly Support Commonsense Restrictions that Protect Youth 

Voters display an overwhelming preference for targeted restrictions, like access limitations, to protect youth. 

  • Vaping is the lowest voter concern (6%) when asked about the greatest threats facing young people today, with social media use (28%), mental health challenges (21%), AI replacing future job opportunities (13%), and alcohol or drug use (13%) ranking significantly higher.
  • 84% of voters, including 88% of Trump voters polled, agree that penalties for stores that sell to minors should be increased. 
  • Nearly 90% of voters (86%) support requiring strong age verification for all local and online vape purchases.  
  • 81% of Trump voters believe that vape devices designed to appeal to children, such as those with video games, phone apps, cartoon characters, or designs that look like school supplies, should be banned.
  • 80% of voters believe that marketing aimed at kids, like cartoon characters, celebrity endorsements, or branding that looks like candy, should be banned. 

Opposition to Banning Vaping Products Falters When Voters Hear the Consequences

Initial support for the flavored vape ban collapses after voters are presented with the impact of vapes on smoking cessation and the U.S. vaping industry’s economic impact. Such information leads to a decisive shift away from the ban. 

  • 53% of voters are more likely to oppose the ban after learning that adult cigarette smokers who used flavored vapes, including fruit, mint/menthol, and candy/dessert flavors, were significantly more likely to quit smoking than those who didn’t.
  • 51% of Trump voters are less likely to support the ban after learning that adults switching from smoking to vaping could save nearly half a million American lives every year. 
  • Nearly half of all Trump voters (46%) are more likely to oppose the ban after learning that it could threaten more than 10,000 small businesses, over 129,000 jobs in the US, and cost the US economy $33 billion. 

Trump Voters are Supportive of Political Candidates who Back the Vaping Industry. 

Trump voters display broad support for keeping flavored vaping products available to adults, while strictly enforcing policies to prevent youth access. 

  • Over half (54%) of Trump voters are more likely to vote for candidates who support adults’ access to vaping products while preventing children from getting access to these products. 
  • 81% of Trump voters and 74% of all voters support President Trump’s decision to raise the federal purchasing age for all tobacco and vaping products to 21.

More information and a complete copy of the poll can be found below.

View Poll Top Lines (PDF)

View Poll Crosstabs (PDF)

VTA Insider July 2026: VTA Is Defending Your Business In Washington & Beyond

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Welcome back to VTA Insider – your trusted source for the latest developments shaping the vapor and nicotine industries.

From in-the-room insights in Washington, D.C. to real-time updates from the front lines in state legislatures, VTA Insider keeps you informed on the policies, threats, and victories that directly impact your business and consumers.

A Message From VTA’s Executive Director

VTA is leading the fight to defend the flavored nicotine vaping industry at the state and federal levels. 

The future of this industry is being shaped right now. Join VTA and help ensure independent businesses and adult consumers have a voice in that process. Join us today

We’re in the Room: VTA Meets with HHS Staff

What Happened: After recent policy decisions, VTA was invited to meet with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and his senior leadership team to discuss our proposed regulatory changes. We had a productive conversation that focused on the urgent reforms needed to keep these products out of the hands of youth while promoting adult access to the most effective smoking cessation tool available.

What’s Next: VTA will continue to work with Secretary Kennedy’s senior staff to answer any questions and provide additional information about our policy recommendations. We have the momentum, relationships, and team to take full advantage of this moment. 

Why It Matters: Right now, we have a unique opportunity to see significant policy changes that will have a dramatically positive impact on public health and across our industry. We’re fighting every day to protect our members. Stand with us today to have your voice heard.

The FDA Finally Announces the Results of the 2025 NYTS Study

What Happened: On Tuesday, June 23, the FDA released a statement on the results of the 2025 National Youth Tobacco Survey. They highlighted that the youth vaping rate is at a historic low – just 5.2%. 

What We’re Saying: Read VTA’s statement on the release here. 

Why it Matters: We are hopeful that the FDA’s acknowledgement of the plummeting youth vaping rate will lead to future regulatory changes that protect adult access to vaping products while keeping them out of kids’ hands.

State of the States

What We’re Doing: Across the country, the independent vaping industry’s only national coordinated state lobbying strategy is in full force.

VTA’s State Affairs Team recently attended the Republican Attorneys General Association Summer Conference, which allowed us to strengthen our relationships with key Attorneys General (AGs) from across the country, including Todd Rokita (Indiana), Dave Sunday (Pennsylvania), Derek Brown (Utah), and J.B. McCuskey (West Virginia).

What We’re Saying: Our team emphasized VTA’s commitment to working collaboratively to solve the problems that have plagued this industry for many years. We focused on explaining the negative impacts of the FDA’s enforcement priorities and flavor guidance, helping AGs to understand the impact these actions will have on their states. 

What’s Next: VTA will continue educating each AG on the importance of protecting adult consumer access to flavored vaping products and aligning with evolving federal policy.

Protect Your House: To learn more about what we’re doing to protect your state, become a member of VTA today! 

Member Spotlight – The Supply Plus

The Vapor Technology Association is proud to spotlight The Supply Plus, a growing Midwest retailer known for creating a modern, welcoming shopping experience for adult consumers.

With locations throughout Wisconsin, including Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, and Jackson, The Supply Plus has built a reputation for combining broad product selection with knowledgeable customer service and a community-focused retail environment.

Their retail philosophy emphasizes product variety, education, and creating an approachable in-store experience for adult customers navigating a rapidly evolving marketplace.

The Supply Plus also reflects the evolution of modern specialty retail by embracing category diversification while continuing to adapt to changing consumer demand and emerging product trends.

VTA is grateful for The Supply Plus’s ongoing support and membership as we continue fighting together for science-based regulation, rational public policy, and the protection of independent flavored vape businesses.

To learn more about The Supply Plus, visit: www.thesupplyplus.com 

Join VTA Today and Stand with Us in this Fight

VTA is your voice in Washington and at the state level, where Big Tobacco continues to spend millions of dollars to pressure regulators into giving them what they want while sidelining independent vape. Our advocacy matters now more than ever. We have an opportunity to create real reform, but only if we speak with one voice. 

Our work to build relationships within the Trump administration has ensured that we are viewed as the best-positioned ally to help them solve the regulatory challenges that have long plagued this industry. This level of impact only happens when our industry supports our mission. 

VTA is fighting every day to protect flavored vaping products, defend harm reduction, and ensure a predictable future for our American independent vaping businesses. 

But we can’t do it alone. Become a member AND a champion in the fight to save flavored vapes!

Join the Fight

Stay tuned. Stay tuned in with us for lots of new developments, and make sure your friends and colleagues are signed up here to receive our news and information.

Got questions? If you have any questions about the issues we have covered, have suggestions for content, or how you can support our efforts, please feel free to contact us at info@vaportechnology.org. 

VTA Insider June 2026: VTA Has Been Busy – See What We’ve Been Up to Lately

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Welcome back to VTA Insider – your trusted source for the latest developments shaping the vapor and nicotine industries.

From in-the-room insights in Washington, D.C. to real-time updates from the front lines in state legislatures, VTA Insider keeps you informed on the policies, threats, and victories that directly impact your business and consumers.

A Message From VTA’s Executive Director

VTA is leading the fight to defend the flavored nicotine vaping industry at the state and federal levels. 

The future of this industry is being shaped right now. Join VTA and help ensure independent businesses and adult consumers have a voice in that process. Join us today

We’re in the Room: VTA Meets with FDA Leadership 

What Happened: After recent policy decisions, VTA was invited to meet with FDA leadership to discuss our concerns and proposed regulatory changes. We talked about the need for real reform that protects America’s small vape businesses nationwide and defends adults’ freedom to vape. 

What’s Next: VTA will continue to expand our relationships across the administration to push for positive change. We’ve got the right people working with us and have momentum to take full advantage of this moment. This opportunity only comes when the industry unites behind one organization. 

Why It Matters: We have demonstrated that we are the thoughtful, constructive solution-oriented voice for the independent American vaping industry. Right now, we have a unique opportunity to see significant policy changes that will have dramatically positive impacts for public health and across our industry. We’re fighting every day to protect our members. Stand with us today to have your voice heard. 

State of the States

What We’re Doing: Across the country, the independent vaping industry’s only national coordinated state lobbying strategy is in full force.

Our more than 200-strong state lobbying operation is actively tracking more than 300 pieces of legislation, engaging lawmakers, proposing amendments, and fighting back against policies that threaten to dismantle independent businesses and limit adult access to harm reduction products.

We’re Winning: States across the country have concluded their legislative sessions for the year – WITHOUT passing any industry-killing anti-vapor legislation.

Arizona: Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed HB 4001, legislation championed by VTA and Arizona Innovates. This bill includes smart licensing, enforcement, and age verification requirements, and Arizona’s first serious effort to restrict youth marketing of nicotine products. Most importantly, it DOES NOT include PMTA registry mandates or tax increases. 

Colorado: The state’s legislative session ended on May 13. VTA’s team successfully prevented a harmful bill from advancing in the last few days of the session. 

Ohio: VTA’s team successfully prevented HB 849 from advancing, ensuring that problematic language impacting the vapor industry did not move forward in any form. Throughout the remainder of the session, our team will continue working to educate lawmakers on the economic impact of the American vapor industry.

South Carolina: VTA’s team engaged to oppose a proposed 30-cent tax on vapor products, successfully limiting it to only 5-cents. This compromise will limit the tax’s impact on our industry across the state.

Iowa: As in South Carolina, our Iowa state lobbying team was able to keep the proposed tax increase to a minimum. Additionally, our educational efforts helped lawmakers to recognize the importance of balancing regulatory discussions with the significant revenue generated by the vapor industry. 

Protect Your House: To learn more about what we’re doing to protect your state, become a member of VTA today!

Member Spotlight – VapeRanger

The Vapor Technology Association is proud to spotlight VapeRanger, one of the most recognized wholesale distributors serving the vapor and alternative products industry today.

Founded in 2014, VapeRanger has grown into a major nationwide wholesale platform supplying vape shops, smoke shops, convenience stores, and online retailers with access to thousands of products across the vapor and alternative product categories.

VapeRanger has positioned itself as a one-stop distribution partner for retailers navigating an increasingly competitive and rapidly evolving marketplace.

What continues to separate VapeRanger in the wholesale space is its commitment to inventory depth, operational efficiency, and staying ahead of industry trends. From some of the most recognizable disposable vape brands on the market, to emerging alternative nicotine and modern oral product categories, VapeRanger has built a reputation for helping retailers keep shelves stocked with high-demand products while adapting to shifting consumer preferences.

As regulatory pressure and market consolidation continue to challenge independent businesses, companies like VapeRanger play an important role in supporting the broader vapor industry ecosystem. Their continued investment in product accessibility, retailer support and category expansion reflect the kind of industry leadership that helps businesses remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment.

VTA is grateful for VapeRanger’s ongoing support and membership as we continue fighting together for science-based regulation, rational public policy, and the protection of independent vape businesses.

To learn more about VapeRanger, visit: www.VapeRanger.com

Join VTA Today and Stand with Us in this Fight

VTA is your voice in Washington and at the state level, where Big Tobacco continues to spend millions of dollars to pressure regulators into giving them what they want while sidelining independent vape. Our advocacy matters now more than ever. We have an opportunity to create real reform, but only if we speak with one voice. 

Our work to build relationships within the Trump administration has ensured that we are viewed as the best-positioned ally to help them solve the regulatory challenges that have long plagued this industry. This level of impact only happens when our industry supports our mission. 

VTA is fighting every day to protect flavored vaping products, defend harm reduction, and ensure a predictable future for our American independent vaping businesses. 

But we can’t do it alone. Become a member AND a champion in the fight to save flavored vapes!

Join the Fight

Stay tuned in with us for lots of new developments, and make sure your friends and colleagues are signed up here to receive our news and information.

Got questions? If you have any questions about the issues we have covered, have suggestions for content, or how you can support our efforts, please feel free to contact us at info@vaportechnology.org. 

VTA Insider May 2026: “Too Little, Too Late”: Former FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns

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Welcome back to VTA Insider – your trusted source for the latest developments shaping the vapor and nicotine industries.

From in-the-room insights in Washington, D.C. to real-time updates from the front lines in state legislatures, VTA Insider keeps you informed on the policies, threats, and victories that directly impact your business and consumers.

A Message From VTA’s Executive Director

VTA is leading the fight to defend the flavored nicotine vaping industry at the state and federal levels.

On a personal note: the past three weeks have involved enormous personal and professional upheaval.  After a stint in the hospital and hospice, I had to bury my wonderful, amazing and stubborn mother.  The next day, I was plunged into another family health crisis.

And during this time, immense changes were shaping the future of this industry.

This edition of Insider catches you up on what’s been happening and explains why the fight for the independent American flavored vaping industry is far from over.

The future of this industry is being shaped right now. Join VTA and help ensure independent businesses and adult consumers have a voice in that process. Join us today

“Too Little, Too Late”: Former FDA Commissioner Marty Makary Resigns

What Happened: On the weekend of May 2, 2026, media reported that President Trump called FDA Commissioner Makary, telling him he wasn’t doing enough to save flavored vapes. In response, on Monday, May 4, FDA authorized its first flavored pod device (with age-gating technology). On May 8, FDA announced a new enforcement discretion guidance purporting to (but not really) allow the sales of flavored vapes. Then, stories started swirling that Makary was about to be fired. That same day, VTA was asked to meet with Makary and did so on May 9 to discuss the much-needed reforms to save vaping. On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Former FDA Commissioner Marty Makary offered his resignation to President Trump, citing flavored vapes as the reason.

What We Said: VTA’s Statement on Markary’s resignation can be found here.

Why It Matters: Commissioner Makary’s recent actions proved to be “too little, too late,” as our Executive Director told the Hill. More importantly, the recent decision to issue new enforcement priorities could have a dramatic negative effect on the American vaping industry. Acting Commissioner Diamantis and his team now must figure out how to actually fix the broken vaping regulation President Trump inherited from the last Administration. 

What’s Next: VTA looks forward to continuing to work with Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas and whoever is ultimately selected to permanently lead the agency moving forward. We remain committed to advocating for real PMTA regulatory reform and the implementation of a predictable and transparent, science-based regulatory framework for all vapor products. 

The Fight Didn’t End With One FDA Decision

What Happened: On May 8, 2026, the FDA issued its new final enforcement discretion guidance that also eliminated the 2020 ban on flavored pods/cartridges. The FDA will be publishing a list of the products receiving this enforcement discretion.

What It Means: Many have cheered this action, believing that it will give the American-flavored vaping industry breathing room. In reality, as written, the enforcement guidance poses a real and direct threat to the American vaping industry selling flavored vapes.  While the guidance makes clear that the FDA will not enforce against products for which a PMTA has been “accepted and filed”, that ONLY applies to tobacco-flavored products.  

However, flavored vapes will be held to a much more restrictive standard (only those in scientific review), and the overwhelming majority of them (regardless of how substantive) could easily be excluded from the list.

What’s Next: As VTA continues its engagement with FDA’s new leadership team, we will underscore the realities of the recent actions taken and continue to address the need for real and lasting reform for less harmful vaping and other nicotine products. Saving flavored vaping does not happen with mere openness; it happens when the broken regulatory system is fixed once and for all.

Worth Your Time

Join VTA Today and Stand with Us in this Fight

VTA is your voice in Washington and at the state level, where Big Tobacco continues to spend millions of dollars to pressure regulators into giving them what they want while sidelining independent vape. So, our advocacy matters now more than ever. We have an opportunity to create real reform, but only if we speak with one voice. 

Our work to build relationships within the Trump administration has ensured that we are viewed as the best-positioned ally to help them solve the regulatory challenges that have long plagued this industry. This level of impact only happens when our industry supports our mission. 

VTA is fighting every day to protect flavored vaping products, defend harm reduction, and ensure the future of our American independent vaping businesses. 

But we can’t do it alone. Become a member AND a champion in the fight to save flavored vapes!

Join the Fight

Stay tuned in with us for lots of new developments, and make sure your friends and colleagues are signed up here to receive our news and information.

Got questions? If you have any questions about the issues we have covered, have suggestions for content, or how you can support our efforts, please feel free to contact us at info@vaportechnology.org. 

VTA Insider April 2026: VTA Is Stepping Up – Here’s What’s Happening

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Welcome back to VTA Insider – your trusted source for the latest developments shaping the vapor and nicotine industries.

From in-the-room insights in Washington, D.C. to real-time updates from the front lines in state legislatures, VTA Insider keeps you informed on the policies, threats, and victories that directly impact your business and consumers.

A Message From VTA’s Executive Director

VTA is leading the fight to defend the flavored nicotine vaping industry at the state and federal levels. 

Every day, we work to educate lawmakers with real data, challenge misguided policies, and defend the role of flavored vaping products in harm reduction.

Join us today and be a part of the effort to protect this industry.

VTA Discusses Flavor Guidance with the White House 

What We’re Doing: VTA’s leadership met with senior White House officials to propose a path forward following the release of the FDA’s proposed flavor guidance.

Why It’s Important: It’s clear that our insights matter to our allies at the White House. We spoke about the problems with the FDA’s proposed guidance and the impact of the vapor industry on the American economy. Engaging in these meetings ensures VTA member voices are heard and considered in the policy development process. 

What’s Next: VTA will continue to educate officials across the administration on the harm reduction benefits of vaping and share real data on our industry

State of the States

What We’re Doing: Across the country, the independent vaping industry’s only national coordinated state lobbying strategy is in full force.

Our more than 200-strong state lobbying operation is actively tracking more than 300 pieces of legislation, engaging lawmakers, proposing amendments, and fighting back against policies that threaten to dismantle independent businesses and limit adult access to harm reduction products.

We’re Winning: Georgia, Nebraska, Maryland, Kansas, and Iowa have concluded their legislative sessions for the year – WITHOUT passing any industry-killing anti-vapor legislation.

Additionally, VTA’s Illinois, Alabama, and Mississippi lobbying teams have successfully prevented multiple harmful bills from advancing in the 2026 legislative session. We will continue to monitor state legislative sessions, but at this time, we do not expect any significant action on anti-vapor bills.

Protect Your House: To learn more about what we’re doing to protect your state, become a member of VTA today!

Pennsylvania’s ENDS Directory Law Enters Key Implementation Phase

The Latest: Pennsylvania’s ENDS directory law will be in effect soon, with several critical deadlines that will directly impact manufacturers, distributors, and retailers quickly approaching.

Key Dates: 

  • April 21, 2026: Deadline for manufacturers to submit product certifications to the Attorney General.
  • June 20, 2026: The Commonwealth will publish the official ENDS directory. Once this directory has been published, only products that are included will be approved to sell. 
  • October 19, 2026: Enforcement begins; products not listed on the directory are subject to seizure.

Manufacturers must refile applications annually by April 21 to keep their certifications. 

What We’re Doing: VTA continues to actively engage with legislators and the Attorney General’s Office to address implementation considerations, clarify outstanding questions, and advocate for practical, enforceable solutions as the process moves forward.

Worth Your Time

Join VTA Today. Stand with Us in this Fight.

VTA is fighting every day to protect flavored vaping products, defend harm reduction, and ensure independent businesses have a future. 

But we can’t do it alone. Become a member AND a champion in the fight to save flavored vapes!

Stay tuned in with us for lots of new developments, and make sure your friends and colleagues are signed up here to receive our news and information.

Got questions? If you have any questions about the issues we have covered, have suggestions for content, or how you can support our efforts, please feel free to contact us at info@vaportechnology.org. 

Join the Fight

VTA Insider April 2026: VTA Is Fighting Back – Here’s What You Need to Know

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Welcome back to VTA Insider – your trusted source for the latest developments shaping the vapor and nicotine industries.

From in-the-room insights in Washington, D.C. to real-time updates from the front lines in state legislatures, VTA Insider keeps you informed on the policies, threats, and victories that directly impact your business and consumers.

A Message From VTA’s Executive Director

VTA is leading the fight to defend the flavored nicotine vaping industry at the state and federal levels. 

Every day, we work on your behalf – educating lawmakers with real data, challenging misguided policies, and defending the role of flavored vaping products in harm reduction. 

This is a fight we cannot afford to lose. 

Join us today and be a part of the effort to protect his industry.

VTA Discusses Flavor Guidance with FDA

What We’re Doing: Last month, VTA met with senior officials at the FDA and across the administration to share our views on the myriad problems with the proposed flavor guidance. We also discussed a more meaningful path forward to address the continued suppression of youth vaping while ensuring that fruit and sweet-flavored vapes remain available to adults. 

Why It Matters: It’s clear that our industry and opinion matter to our allies at the FDA and that the agency is genuinely interested in solving the problem. We’re continuing our efforts to educate them on the harm reduction benefits of vaping, the rapidly declining youth rate, and the need for real reform to the broken PMTA process. 

Download and Read the Proposed Guidance

What’s Next: VTA’s legal team will file a substantive comment outlining our concerns with the new flavor guidance. We encourage everyone who has a personal or professional investment in flavored vapes to do the same.

Take Action: Submit Your Comment

What We’re Doing: Across the country, the independent vaping industry’s only national coordinated state lobbying strategy is in full force.

By the numbers: Our more than 200-strong state lobbyist operation covering 35 states is actively engaged on more than 300 pieces of legislation, working with lawmakers, proposing amendments, and fighting back against policies that threaten to ban flavored vapes, dismantle small businesses, and limit adult access to harm reduction products.

Go Deeper: Below is a brief overview of some key state updates. But, to learn more about what we’re doing in your state, become a member of VTA today! 

We’re winning: Florida, Indiana, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming have concluded their legislative sessions for the year – WITHOUT passing any industry-killing anti-vapor legislation.

New York: Our lobbying team is working hard to ensure that the industry-killing floor tax proposed by Governor Hochul does not remain in the budget. Thus far, we have been successful in ensuring that both the House and Senate have stripped this tax from their proposed budget, but keeping this issue out altogether will require additional coordination and discussion with the Governor’s Office and legislative leaders. VTA has worked with faith leaders to highlight the regressive nature of the proposed vapor tax, which would reduce state revenues and increase the already prevalent Black Market. The Buffalo delegation has stopped the floor tax and tax increases from being included in the single-chamber budgets. 

Arizona: VTA’s team collaborated with Arizona Innovates to advocate for HB 4001. This bill includes licensing and enforcement, age verification, and youth marketing restrictions. Most importantly, this DOES NOT include PMTA registry mandates or tax increases. It has already passed the House and is advancing through the Senate with positive momentum.

Oklahoma: Our state lobbying team is working with the respective committee chairs and sponsors on HB 3881, the Vapor Products Regulation bill. This bill adopts VTA marketing and labeling standards and creates an attestation process for manufacturers to either certify the alternative nicotine product has a marketing granted order, or has applied for a PMTA, has a submission tracking number (STN), and is still pending or in the appeals process; and require that all products be manufactured, processed, blended, or filled in the U.S. by January 1, 2028.

Media Highlight: VTA Defends Virginians’ Freedom to Vape

What We’re Doing: Enforcement of the Virginia Vape Registry began on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026. VTA continues to actively engage with the Attorney General to address concerns regarding enforcement, excessive actions being taken by local authorities, and strategies that can protect youth while preserving adult access to flavored vapes.  In addition, VTA’s Executive Director is speaking with Virginia media about the potential impacts of VA SB 620/HB 308 on small businesses across the Commonwealth. 

What We’re Saying: In an interview with CBS Richmond, we voiced our concerns that this law will eliminate 99% of the flavored vaping products available to Virginians under the existing law, and our support for the permitting measures that will prevent underage sales. We also raised questions about the relevance of HB 308, given that the Commonwealth is in the throes of banning flavored vapes and the vast majority of vaping products.

Read More Here

There are hundreds of bills across the country right now that threaten this industry – and the small businesses behind it. 

VTA is fighting every day to protect flavored vaping products, defend harm reduction, and ensure independent businesses have a future. 

But we can’t do it alone, and we need your support.

Join VTA today and stand with us in this fight. 

Stay tuned in with us for lots of new developments, and make sure your friends and colleagues are signed up here to receive our news and information.

Got questions? If you have any questions about the issues we have covered, have suggestions for content, or how you can support our efforts, please feel free to contact us at info@vaportechnology.org. 

Join the Fight

VTA Insider April 2026: VTA Scores Big State Win – Fight is Far From Over

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Welcome back to VTA Insider – your trusted source for the latest developments shaping the vapor and nicotine industries.

From in-the-room insights in Washington, D.C. to real-time updates from the front lines in state legislatures, VTA Insider keeps you informed on the policies, threats, and victories that directly impact your business and consumers.

Let’s Dive In.

A Message From VTA’s Executive Director

VTA continues to lead the fight to protect your freedom to vape at the state and federal levels. 

Every day, we are working on your behalf — providing lawmakers with real data, challenging misguided policies, and defending the role of flavored vaping products in harm reduction.

But this fight is ongoing and accelerating. 

Your support allows us to:

  • Respond immediately to new legislative threats
  • Educate policymakers with science – not misinformation
  • Mobilize advocates when it matters most

This is a fight we cannot afford to lose. 

Join us today and be a part of the effort to protect his industry.

VTA Meets with FDA to Discuss Flavor Guidance

The Latest: Shortly following the FDA’s release of new proposed guidance on flavored e-cigarettes, VTA – along with several member companies – met with agency leadership to discuss.

What We’re Saying: We voiced our concerns with the proposal, explaining that it will maintain the de facto ban on fruit and sweet flavored vapes – the most important and popular products amongst adult consumers trying to quit smoking. We also flagged that it imposes new requirements, unnecessarily increasing costs, before driving home the urgent need for bold reform through the establishment of a streamlined, science-based regulatory pathway.

By the Numbers: We shared the most recent data – which is from their own survey – showing that youth vaping is disappearing. Despite the widespread availability of flavored vaping products on the market, the youth vaping rate is down 74% since President Trump raised the age to 21, and now sits at a historic low (5.2%) 

What’s Next: VTA’s legal team is preparing its substantive comment on the proposed flavor guidance. This is the next critical step in our continued efforts to ensure that the federal framework is based on science and the real-world impact on adult consumers and small businesses.

Take Action: Submit Your Comment

State Of The States

What We’re Doing: Across the country, the independent vaping industry’s only national coordinated state lobbying strategy is in full force.

Our more than 200-strong state lobbying operation is actively tracking more than 300 pieces of legislation, engaging lawmakers, proposing amendments, and fighting back against policies that threaten to dismantle independent businesses and limit adult access to harm reduction products.

Go Deeper: Below is a brief overview of some key state updates. To learn more about what we’re doing in your state, become a member of VTA today!

State Highlight: Big Win in Big Red Nebraska:

The Latest: VTA delivered a critical victory in Nebraska. A bill that would have dramatically increased the state’s vape tax has been successfully stopped from advancing – a direct result of VTA’s strategic engagement and advocacy efforts. We will continue to monitor closely and remain prepared to act if this issue resurfaces. 

Why it matters: Excessive taxation on vapes doesn’t reduce harm; it increases cigarette smoking, fuels illicit markets, and was a direct threat to jobs and small businesses in Nebraska.

This win wasn’t by chance. It was the result of:

  • Smart, direct lobbying efforts
  • Coordinated industry engagement
  • Persistent education of lawmakers

This is exactly what effective advocacy looks like.

What’s next: We will continue to monitor Nebraska closely and remain prepared to act if this or similar industry-killing issues resurface.

Arizona: VTA’s team collaborated with Arizona Innovates to advocate for HB 4001. This bill includes licensing and enforcement, age verification, and youth marketing restrictions. Most importantly, this DOES NOT include PMTA registry mandates or tax increases. It has already passed the House and is advancing through the Senate with positive momentum.

Virginia: Virginia law restricts the sale of liquid nicotine and nicotine vapor products. Only products listed on the Virginia Product Directory may be sold after the law’s enforcement date. As a reminder, enforcement of the Virginia vape registry is expected to begin on April 1, 2026.

VTA Welcomes Beast Distribution To The Board! 

About Beast Distribution: When it comes to knowing what your customers actually want, Beast Distribution delivers.

Whether you’re running a vape shop, smoke shop, or building your business from the ground up, Beast Distribution is focused on helping retailers stay stocked with the right products – without the guesswork.

From startups looking to get off the ground to established shops aiming to streamline operations, Beast offers solutions that make sense in today’s fast-moving market. Their just-in-time delivery model helps retailers right-size inventory, reduce overhead, and keep shelves filled with the products customers are actively seeking.

In an industry where demand shifts quickly, having a reliable distribution partner isn’t just helpful – it’s essential.

Beast Distribution stands out by combining product knowledge, efficiency, and a clear understanding of retailer needs, making them a valuable partner for businesses looking to grow and adapt.

Why VTA: Longtime vape industry professional, Marc Waxman, CEO, explained: “We joined VTA because we believe in the importance of strong advocacy for the vapor industry. Being part of a unified voice helps ensure that policies are balanced and support both businesses and adult consumers.”

Join Our Fight!

There are hundreds of bills across the country right now that threaten this industry – and the small businesses behind it. 

VTA is fighting every day to protect flavored vaping products, defend harm reduction, and ensure independent businesses have a future. 

But we can’t do it alone. 

Join VTA today and stand with us in this fight. 

Stay tuned in with us for lots of new developments, and make sure your friends and colleagues are signed up here to receive our news and information.

Got questions? If you have any questions about the issues we have covered, have suggestions for content, or how you can support our efforts, please feel free to contact us at info@vaportechnology.org. 

Join us today and be a part of the effort to protect his industry.

State-Level Benefits and Savings Arising from Smokers Switching to Nicotine Vaping Products

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In October 2024, VTA commissioned a study from Robert Shapiro, the former U.S. Undersecretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs, and Luke Stuttgen, Staff Economist at the White House Council of Economic Advisors under President Biden and President Trump. This study focused on the use of e-cigarettes in the United States since their introduction in 2011, the marginal health risks of vaping compared to smoking cigarettes, and their effectiveness in helping people reduce or stop smoking.

This new analysis provides an overview of the benefits and savings smokers experienced from switching from deadly cigarettes to vaping nicotine products between 2011 and 2022. It examines the state-by-state impact of the rising use of e-cigarettes on smoking-related premature deaths and illnesses overall, as well as by gender, race, and ethnicity within each state. The research also estimates, by state and demographic groups, the productivity benefits and healthcare savings associated with the impact of vaping on cigarette use.  

Key Findings: 

Impact of Nicotine Vaping on Smoking Rates

  • The adult smoking rate dropped to 11.3% by 2022, well below the projected 16.2% based on the continuation of pre-2010 trends
  • Vaping is estimated to have reduced the number of adult smokers by 6.1 million people between 2011 and 2022

Lives Saved by Switching to Nicotine Vaping

  • The shift from smoking to vaping averted an estimated 113,274 premature deaths and preserved nearly 2.5 million life years
  • States with the highest per-capita lives saved included West Virginia, Kentucky, New York, Arkansas, and Mississippi

Economic Benefits (2011-2022) of Switching

  • Total economic benefits reached $179.3 billion nationally
  • $65.8 billion from productivity gains tied to deaths averted
  • $71.2 billion from reduced smoking-related illness
  • $42.3 billion in healthcare savings from reduced secondhand smoke exposure and lower mortality and morbidity

The full study is available here.

VTA’s Response to the FDA’s Civil Seizure Action

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American-made vaping products—produced by companies that have fully complied with the FDA’s own guidance and the PMTA process—are now being seized nationwide. For more than five years, VTA has warned the agency of flaws in its regulatory system, yet the FDA refuses to engage with stakeholders—an irresponsible course of action that now threatens the bankruptcy of hundreds of thousands of small businesses nationwide.

As of today, the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Attorney General are holding a press conference at a vape distribution center in Illinois to highlight their seizures. In Illinois alone, the vape industry produces an economic output of over $544 million and supports 2,666 jobs. Vapor businesses have paid over $175,998,400 in wages and benefits to their employees in the state and generated $92,383,700 in state and local tax revenue. 

If this course of action continues, it will immediately wipe out 150,000 American small businesses and eliminate 90,000 jobs across the country. The result: a catastrophic loss of over $5 billion in state, local, and federal tax revenue this year alone—ballooning to $20 billion over the course of President Donald Trump’s second term. The vaping industry currently contributes more than $17 billion annually to the U.S. economy, and that economic engine will vanish overnight. 

The consequences of this reckless course of action cannot be overstated. This is not only an assault on public health—it is an assault on American workers, small businesses, and the tax base that supports our communities. 

The actions of HHS and the DOJ are detrimental to the state, local, and federal economies, and they must reverse course immediately.


Statement attributable to Tony Abboud, Executive Director of the Vapor Technology Association.

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