DRIVERS will see a massive change in gas stations after a new law went into effect on Monday.
Most disposable vapes have been pulled from store shelves, including nicotine and THC pens.
Gas stations in Texas are no longer permitted to sell disposable vape pens (stock image)[/caption]
THC pens are prohibited from store shelves in Texas as of September 1 (stock image)[/caption]
Beginning September 1, customers will no longer be able to find a large variety of vapes sold in Texas thanks to a new statewide ban.
The rule bans stores, including gas stations and smoke shops, from advertising or selling vapes that contain THC.
Disposable vaporizers, typically battery-powered, are used to smoke oil, which can contain any amount of THC, which is the psychoactive element in cannabis plants like hemp and marijuana.
Vapes containing other cannabinoids like hemp-derived THC, Delta-8, and CBD are also now illegal to sell.
The single-use devices usually come pre-charged and pre-filled with THC oil, meaning they’re ready for immediate use by simply inhaling.
THC-laced vapes have grown popular in recent years as marijuana has become legalized in more states.
Users are often met with fruity or candy flavors with brand names like “Half Baked” and “Exhale.”
According to the Department of State Health Services, registered sellers previously sold THC products at about 8,600 locations across Texas, including many gas stations, CNN reported.
Now, drivers in Texas won’t be able to waltz into gas stations while refueling and grab a puff bar like they might have been able to before.
Senate Bill 2024 makes it a Class A misdemeanor to market or sell any vape containing cannabinoids.
Gas stations could be slapped with up to one year in jail and a fine up to $4,000 if they’re found with the illegal products on their shelves.
However, the law doesn’t explicitly ban possession, sparking worries that the ban could fuel less safe alternatives to cannabis than the low-dose products sold in places like mini marts.
Recreational use of marijuana is still illegal in Texas and under federal law.
However, earlier this summer, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill making Texas the 40th state to legalize cannabis for medical use.
Items banned in Senate Bill 2024
Senate Bill 2024, which went into effect on September 1, 2025, prohibits selling or marketing the following products:
- Advertising or selling e-cigarettes that contain cannabinoids, including hemp-derived THC, Delta-8, and CBD
- Advertising or selling e-cigarettes that contain kratom
- Advertising or selling e-cigarettes that contain kava
- Advertising or selling e-cigarettes that contain alcohol
- Advertising or selling e-cigarettes that contain mushrooms
- Most disposable nicotine vapes, which are predominantly manufactured and filled in China
- Packaging that appeals to minors, such as featuring cartoon characters, or packaging that looks like candy
- Devices designed to look like toys, marker pens, or smartphones
Source: Texas legislature
Texas lawmakers decided to crack down on the devices in an effort to curb addiction and keep vapes, which are small and easy to hide, out of the hands of teenagers.
SB 2024 also outlaws selling vapes that contain alcohol, kava, kratom, or mushrooms.
And the law bans vape products made in China or any country that’s a foreign adversary of the United States.
Gas stations will be slapped with a misdemeanor charge for selling disposable vapes (stock image)[/caption]
Electronic cigarettes made in China will also now be prohibited (stock image)[/caption]
The extra rules have sparked criticism from people because nicotine vapes are often used by people trying to kick a smoking habit.
Houston Democratic Senator Molly Cook, a registered nurse, was the only dissenting vote on SB 2024 and spoke about her worries about criminalizing THC and nicotine products.
“The folks who are good players, who want to put therapeutic products out there for people, they do go above and beyond,” Cook said, according to the Texas Tribune.
“When folks are asking you for safe rules and asking you how to follow them, we should give it to them.”
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
