What Kentucky's New Disposable Flavored Vape Laws Mean for KY Vape Customers in 2025
- Team 8 Oasis
- Feb 20
- 4 min read
If you've visited us at 8 Oasis in Louisville recently, you've probably noticed some significant changes to our vape selection. Many of our customers have been asking questions about what's happening with flavored disposable vapes and why certain products are no longer available. We created this guide to help you understand Kentucky's new vaping laws and how they affect the products we can offer you.
What Changed on January 1st?
Kentucky's House Bill 11 went into effect on January 1, 2025, dramatically changing which vape products we can legally sell at 8 Oasis. This new law represents one of the most significant shifts in Kentucky's approach to vaping regulation, and it affects every smoke shop and vape retailer in the state. Currently, the recently passed SB 100 is about to become law pending the Governor's signature.
The Basics of Kentucky's New Vape Law
Under these laws, we can only sell vape products that have either been approved by the FDA or have proof they were on the market before August 8, 2016, with an application still under FDA review.
How This Affects Flavored Disposables
This is where things get challenging for most of our customers who enjoy flavored disposable vapes. This means that nearly all flavored disposable vapes (fruit, candy, dessert flavors, etc.) that we previously carried are now illegal to sell in Kentucky. Popular brands and products like Mr. Fog, Geek Bar, Elf Bar, and similar devices with fruit or dessert flavors can no longer be legally sold in Kentucky.
What Products Can 8 Oasis Still Offer?
While the selection has narrowed, we're committed to providing you with all legally available options:
What We Can Still Sell:
Tobacco and menthol flavored vapes with FDA authorization
Traditional tobacco products
Kratom, CBD, delta-8, and other hemp-derived products (these aren't affected by the new vape laws)
Vape hardware like mod devices, tanks, and accessories
Glass and other smoking accessories
What We Can No Longer Sell:
Fruit, candy, or dessert flavored disposable vapes
Flavored e-liquids without FDA authorization or pending authorization
Unauthorized brands of any vape products, regardless of flavor
(for a more detailed description of what we can offer, please go here)
Why Did Kentucky Pass This Law?
House Bill 11 was primarily designed to reduce youth vaping rates in Kentucky. Supporters of the law pointed to statistics showing that Kentucky ranks in the top 10 states for underage vaping, with a recent survey reporting that 26% of Kentucky high school seniors had vaped in the past year.
The law was also supported by major tobacco companies that have FDA-authorized products, as it eliminates competition from many smaller manufacturers whose products don't have authorization.
Is This Just a Kentucky Problem?
No, these changes are happening within a broader national context, though Kentucky has adopted one of the stricter approaches. Here's how federal regulations play into this:
The Federal FDA Framework
The FDA has authority over all vaping products nationwide and requires manufacturers to submit extensive applications showing their products are "appropriate for the protection of public health." This expensive and complex process has resulted in very few authorizations, mostly limited to products from major tobacco companies.
The federal government has also intensified enforcement against unauthorized vape products. In mid-2024, the Department of Justice and FDA announced a special task force to crack down on illegal e-cigarettes, especially flavored disposable vapes.
Could Things Change in the Future?
The vaping landscape continues to evolve, and several factors could change the situation:
Legal challenges: The vaping industry has filed lawsuits against Kentucky's new regulations, which could potentially affect how the law is implemented
More FDA authorizations: If the FDA approves more products, especially flavored options, our selection could expand
Supreme Court case: The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing a case about the FDA's denial of flavored vape products, with a ruling expected by June 2025
What 8 Oasis Is Doing for Our Customers
We value our relationship with you and are working hard to adapt to these changes:
Expanding other product lines: We're bringing in more variety in our other product categories
Sourcing all compliant options: We're working with distributors to ensure we carry every legally available vape product
Staying informed: We're closely monitoring legal developments and will adjust our offerings as regulations evolve
Providing alternatives: Our knowledgeable staff can help recommend legal alternatives that might work for your needs
Visit Us at 8 Oasis
Despite these regulatory changes, we remain committed to serving our Louisville community with the best selection of legal products available. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you navigate these changes.
Stop by our store to see our current selection and talk with our knowledgeable staff about options that might work for you. We appreciate your understanding and continued support during this transitional time.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Regulations may change, and this post reflects our understanding of the laws as of March 2025.
Tags: Kentucky vape law, HB 11, flavored vapes, disposable vapes, 8 Oasis, Louisville smoke shop, vaping regulations