CALIFORNIA CUSTOMERS: Beginning January 1, 2025, a new state law will extend the current flavor ban to also prohibit online sales of flavored nicotine products.
Beginning January 1, 2025, a new California state law will make it illegal to sell or ship flavored nicotine products through online stores to any address in the state — including San Jose. While flavored vape sales have already been restricted in retail stores, this new legislation extends the ban to online purchases and home deliveries.
Which Products Are Affected?
The law applies to all flavored nicotine products, regardless of format or device type. This includes:
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Flavored disposable vapes
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Pre-filled pods or cartridges with flavors
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E-liquids for refillable vape devices
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Any nicotine product with sweet, fruity, minty, or dessert flavors
The only exception is for products that are tobacco-flavored or unflavored. These will still be permitted for sale and delivery.
Does This Apply in San Jose?
Yes. San Jose is located in Santa Clara County, and the new law applies to every city and county in California, without exception. That means residents of San Jose will no longer be able to legally buy flavored vapes online, even if the seller is located in another state or country.
Can I Still Possess Flavored Vapes in San Jose?
Yes. The new legislation targets the sale and shipment of flavored nicotine products — not personal possession. If you purchased flavored vapes before the ban takes effect, you can continue to use them. However, starting in 2025, it will be illegal to order them online or have them shipped to any California address, including in San Jose.
Why Is the Law Changing?
California lawmakers passed this legislation to help reduce youth vaping and prevent flavored nicotine products — which are often marketed with appealing flavors — from being easily accessible online. By restricting both in-store and online access, the state aims to close remaining loopholes in the previous regulations.
After the law takes effect, most reputable vape retailers will automatically block sales and shipments to California zip codes to comply with the new regulations.
CALIFORNIA CUSTOMERS: Beginning January 1, 2025, a new state law will extend the current flavor ban to also prohibit online sales of flavored nicotine products.
Beginning January 1, 2025, a new California state law will make it illegal to sell or ship flavored nicotine products through online stores to any address in the state — including San Jose. While flavored vape sales have already been restricted in retail stores, this new legislation extends the ban to online purchases and home deliveries.
Which Products Are Affected?
The law applies to all flavored nicotine products, regardless of format or device type. This includes:
-
Flavored disposable vapes
-
Pre-filled pods or cartridges with flavors
-
E-liquids for refillable vape devices
-
Any nicotine product with sweet, fruity, minty, or dessert flavors
The only exception is for products that are tobacco-flavored or unflavored. These will still be permitted for sale and delivery.
Does This Apply in San Jose?
Yes. San Jose is located in Santa Clara County, and the new law applies to every city and county in California, without exception. That means residents of San Jose will no longer be able to legally buy flavored vapes online, even if the seller is located in another state or country.
Can I...
FAQs About San Jose
No. Beginning January 1, 2025, a new California law will make it illegal to sell or ship flavored nicotine products online to any address within the state — including San Jose. This means that no online store, regardless of where it is based, is allowed to deliver flavored vapes to customers in San Jose. Violating this law may result in penalties for the seller and, potentially, the buyer.
The ban covers all nicotine products with added flavors except for tobacco-flavored or unflavored options. This includes disposable vapes, pre-filled pods, and e-liquids with fruit, mint, dessert, candy, or sweet flavors. Even products labeled as "cool" or "refreshing" may be prohibited if they contain any flavor other than tobacco or none at all.
No. The law prohibits shipping flavored nicotine products into California, regardless of the seller’s location. Sellers based in other states or countries must also comply with California's law. Reputable retailers will automatically block shipments of flavored products to California ZIP codes. Attempting to bypass the restriction may result in confiscated packages and legal consequences.
No. The in-store sale of flavored nicotine products has already been banned in California since 2023. The new 2025 law simply extends the restriction to online sales and deliveries. As a result, flavored vapes will no longer be legally available either in stores or online within San Jose or anywhere else in California.
