Vape shops react after ruling to uphold Arkansas’ ban on delta products

CONWAY, Ark. – Some shelves at smoke shops and tobacco stores are already empty, only one day after Arkansas’ ban on delta 8 and 9 products went into effect.

A federal court ruling that upholds the state’s ban on psychoactive hemp products was made on Tuesday.

These products contain THC, the intoxicating compound found in marijuana and can be found in vape shops and convenience stores.

While buying the products, customers must be 21 and older with valid ID. However, Attorney General Tim Griffin said the way these products are packaged can be misleading to children.

“And all during that time the preliminary injunction was there, kids were getting hurt. We were unable to fix stuff. Just know there was a price,” Griffin said.

Vape shop Manager Cathryn McManis said the ban will have an impact on business, since these products make up a large portion of their sales.

“It’s going to suck,” McManis said. “Because it’s a huge part of what we sell here. It’s going to take a lot of our profit and business away.”

She believes the real issue is enforcement, not the products themselves.

“It all depends on who’s selling it. If they’re carding everybody like they’re supposed to be, it shouldn’t be an issue on teenagers getting ahold of it,” McManis said.

Griffin said that when the Eighth Circuit issues this mandate, Arkansas’ ban will be back in full force. He expects it to take a minimum of three weeks.

“We’re going to take it all off our shelves, probably tomorrow. That way we don’t have to worry about any troubles or state fines,” McManis said.