Juul Ends Flavored E-Cig Pod Retail Sales To Reduce Teen Use

Following increased scrutiny, vape company Juul has announced that it will end flavored e-cigarette pod sales to retail companies. The move aims to decrease underage access to vaping products, though these flavors aren't going entirely away: they'll still be available through the company's website, but age verification will be required for purchases.

Critics have raised concerns about e-cigarette use among teenagers who may otherwise be unable to purchase or unwilling to use regular tobacco cigarettes. Some view flavored vape liquids as a lure for kids who may be attracted to the fruity, sweet, or treat-like tastes of certain products.

On the flip side, adult vape users have argued in favor of these liquids, stating that they're not interested in tastes that replicate tobacco cigarettes, nor are these flavors exclusively appealing to youth.

Juul agrees with both, acknowledging in a statement today that though adults may find certain flavors appealing, it's also possible that minors will likewise see the appeal. For this reason, Juul has ended retail flavored pod sales; it stopped taking new orders from more than 90,000 retail stores this morning.

The company isn't totally ending its flavored pod sales, though. Customers will be able to purchase the flavored liquids through Juul's website, where they'll be required to undergo third-party age verification. Customers are either required to provide the last four digits of their Social Security number, name, and permanent address or a copy of a government-issued ID.

These online customers will also be limited to fifteen pods and two devices per month with a hard limit of ten devices per year. The company plans to expand the online system's abilities, including adding 2FA and a real-time photo requirement. Buyers will have access to Cucumber, Fruit, Creme, and Mango flavor options.