A state judge allowed Massachusetts’ four-month ban on the sale of all vaping products to stand as a legal challenge makes its way through the courts.
Republican Gov. Charlie Baker last month announced a statewide ban on the sale of vaping products in response to lung illnesses and deaths attributed to the use of e-cigarette products.
The move made Massachusetts the first state to ban the sale of all cannabis and tobacco vaping products, a major financial setback to the state’s marijuana retailers, processors and vaporizer manufacturers.
Massachusetts health officials say there have been 29 confirmed or probable vaping-related lung illnesses and one death in the state.
Several vape shops as well as an e-cigarette industry group challenged the ban, saying it will cause irreparable harm to their businesses and asked that it be lifted.
The ban was expected to survive the court challenge.
Meanwhile, a judge in Montana blocked a temporary ban on flavored vape products, including medical marijuana.
For more of Marijuana Business Daily’s ongoing coverage of the vaping crisis, click here.
– Associated Press and Marijuana Business Daily
