ARE VAPES ILLEGAL IN LOUISIANA?

Vaping is not completely illegal in Louisiana, but it is heavily regulated. Certain products, sales practices, and behaviors are illegal under state and federal law. This guide explains Louisiana vape laws clearly, including age limits, product restrictions, penalties, and recent enforcement changes.

Are Vapes Legal in Louisiana?

Yes, vaping is legal for adults aged 21 and older.

Louisiana follows the federal “Tobacco 21” law, which prohibits selling or distributing vaping products to anyone under 21.

However, legality depends on who buys, sells, or uses vape products and what type of products are involved.

Key Louisiana Vape Laws (2025–2026)

1. Minimum Legal Age: 21

• It is illegal to sell or give vape products to anyone under 21.
• Minors are also prohibited from purchasing or possessing vape devices.

2. Product Restrictions (VAPE Directory Law)

Louisiana restricts which vape products can be sold.

• Only products listed in the state’s official VAPE Directory can be legally sold.
• Retailers must remove unapproved products from shelves.

This is why many disposable or flavored vapes disappeared from Louisiana stores—it’s not a total ban, but a regulatory filter.

3. Licensing Requirements for Vape Sellers

• Retailers must obtain permits to sell vaping products.
• Violations can result in fines or license suspension.

4. Public Use Restrictions

Vaping is illegal in certain locations, including:

• School property
• Vehicles with children under 13
• Some public spaces depending on local ordinances

Local governments can impose stricter rules than state law.

5. Taxes and Regulation

Louisiana imposes a special tax on nicotine liquids and regulates vaping products similarly to tobacco.

Are Flavored or Disposable Vapes Illegal in Louisiana?

Not entirely—but partially restricted.

• Some flavored closed-system products are limited under federal and state rules.
• Disposable and open-system devices may still be legal if they meet regulatory requirements.

In practice, many popular brands are unavailable because they are not approved in the state’s product directory.

Penalties for Breaking Vape Laws

Violations can lead to:

• Fines for selling to minors (up to hundreds of dollars)
• Higher penalties for repeat offenses
• Possible permit suspension for retailers

Why Do People Think Vapes Are Illegal in Louisiana?

Several factors cause confusion:

• Removal of many vape products from stores due to the VAPE Directory enforcement
• Local bans and stricter city ordinances
• Ongoing lawsuits and regulatory changes affecting the market

As a result, consumers may mistakenly believe vaping itself is banned.

Conclusion

Vapes are not completely illegal in Louisiana, but they are strictly regulated under state and federal law. Adults aged 21 and over can legally purchase and use approved vaping products, while sales or possession by minors are prohibited. Louisiana also limits which vape products can be sold through an official approval system, meaning many popular disposable or flavored vapes are restricted or removed from the market. Retailers must hold proper licenses, follow tax rules, and comply with enforcement policies, while vaping is banned in certain locations such as schools and vehicles with children. Overall, vaping remains legal in Louisiana, but its legality depends on age, product compliance, and where it is used.

FAQs

1. Can you legally buy vapes in Louisiana?

Yes. Adults aged 21 or older can legally buy approved vaping products from licensed retailers.

2. Are disposable vapes banned in Louisiana?

Not completely. Some disposable vapes are legal, but many brands are restricted because they are not listed in the state’s approved product directory.

3. Is it illegal to vape in public in Louisiana?

It depends. Vaping is banned in specific places such as schools and vehicles with children, and some cities impose additional restrictions.

4. Can minors vape in Louisiana?

No. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to purchase or possess vaping products.

5. Why are many vape shops closing or losing products in Louisiana?

The state enforces strict product approval rules, forcing retailers to remove unapproved vape products from their inventory.