2FIRSTS | West Virginia House passes “Vape Safety Act of 2026,” creating licensing and product directory requirements
The West Virginia House passed the Vape Safety Act of 2026 to regulate vape shops through licensing, fees, and a product directory.Summary
The West Virginia House of Delegates has passed the Vape Safety Act of 2026, aiming to increase oversight of vape and smoke shops. The bill introduces licensing requirements, annual fees of $1,200, and enforcement mechanisms overseen by the ABC Commission. A key component is the creation of a state directory listing vape products that have either FDA marketing authorization or a pending application for review. Starting September 1, 2026, only products listed in this directory could be legally sold in West Virginia. Delegate David McCormick, the bill’s lead sponsor, emphasized the goal of protecting children from targeted marketing and limiting easy access to vape products, predicting that the licensing requirements could significantly reduce the number of vape shops in the state. The bill also seeks to distance vape shops from schools, churches, and libraries.
(Source：2Firsts)
