California is introducing new rules for vaping and tobacco products, including a ban on disposable nicotine vapes and restrictions on advertising that appeals to children.
The Golden State is tightening its legislation on vaping and tobacco products through three new laws signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 28, 2026. The legislation targets disposable vapes, vape marketing that appeals to children, and tobacco-related health awareness.
What do California’s new vape laws mean?
AB 762: Disposable vape ban
Starting January 1, 2027, importing or manufacturing disposable vaping devices with embedded batteries for sale in California will be prohibited.
The ban expands on January 1, 2028, when retailers can no longer sell or distribute these devices. The measure also introduces penalties for violations.
AB 2667: Restrictions on vape marketing
Effective January 1, 2027, this law restricts certain vape products designed to resemble items marketed to minors, such as food or school supplies.
It also establishes rules for household hazardous waste facilities to safely dismantle confiscated vaping devices, helping address the risks associated with their batteries.
SB 1124: Lung cancer screening awareness
By July 1, 2027, California’s Department of Public Health must make lung cancer screening awareness signage available to retailers at no cost. Starting January 1, 2028, tobacco retailers must prominently display the signs at each location.
The information will include screening eligibility, details about screening effectiveness, and resources for quitting tobacco. Retailers who fail to comply may face a $500 civil penalty per violation.
What does this mean for Angelenos?
The new laws will change which disposable vaping devices can be sold in California and how certain vape products are marketed.
They also aim to reduce the environmental risks associated with battery-powered disposables and make lung cancer screening information more accessible to tobacco consumers.
For Angelenos, the most visible change will come in 2028, when the retail ban on disposable vapes takes effect and tobacco retailers must begin displaying lung cancer screening awareness signs.
