Category: L7 News

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Where Did All the Good Vapes Go?

Where did all of the good vapes go?

If you’ve been hunting for your favorite disposable vape lately, you’ve probably noticed our shelves look a bit like they were hit by a tornado—a very specific, bureaucratic tornado. You’re not imagining things. Finding your go-to disposables is suddenly a high-stakes scavenger hunt, and we’re right there with you, cursing under our breath.

So, what’s the deal?

The short answer is the FDA. Yes, the same folks who decide what’s in your cough syrup are now apparently running a tight ship on vape imports. In their infinite wisdom, they’ve decided that most of the popular disposable vapes you love—the ones with all the delicious, non-tobacco flavors—are “unauthorized.” It’s like they declared a war on fun, one vape at a time.

This means that while you were trying to restock on your favorite flavor, the FDA and Customs and Border Protection were busy playing a high-stakes game of “catch and seize” at the ports. Millions of dollars worth of vapes have been confiscated, turning the supply chain into a minefield. It’s not that we don’t want to sell them; it’s that we literally can’t get our hands on them without a government-issued permission slip, which, spoiler alert, no one has.

What L7 Vapors Is Doing to Keep You Vaping

We know you’re not here for a lecture; you’re here for a vape. And trust us, we’re doing everything we can to get them to you. Think of us as your vape-smuggling allies, but the legal kind.

  • We’re the Indiana Jones of Vapes: Our team is on a constant quest, digging through the wreckage of the supply chain to find new, compliant, and equally awesome vapes. We’re doing our best to find and stock alternative products to ensure you can continue to enjoy your vaping experience.
  • We’re Here to Help You Adapt: Your favorite brand might be MIA, but that’s not the end of the world. Our team can help you find a new favorite, whether it’s a compliant disposable or a pod system that will save you a ton of money in the long run.

Navigating this mess is a pain, and we appreciate your patience. The next time you walk into our store and ask where all the vapes went, just know the FDA is probably to blame. But don’t worry, we’re doing our best to give them a run for their money. We’ll find a way to keep you happy, one compliant vape at a time.

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WTF, Where Are My Geek Bars?!?

We get it — you walked into the shop or hit us up on the phone looking for your go-to Geek Bar, and we hit you with “Sorry, we’re out.” Again. So what’s really going on? Why have Geek Bars basically vanished off the face of Tennessee (and beyond)? Let’s break it down in plain terms.

🚫 They’re Getting Snatched at the Border

Geek Bars — like many other flavored disposables — don’t have FDA approval. That makes them technically unauthorized to sell in the U.S. Customs knows this, and they’re seizing huge shipments at the ports before they ever reach stores.

Translation: we can’t sell what never makes it through the front door.

💸 Tariffs Are Kicking Everyone’s Butt

Earlier this year, the U.S. dropped massive new tariffs (a fancy word for import taxes) on Chinese-made vape products — as high as 145% in some cases. That makes it way more expensive for distributors to bring them in, so most have either stopped importing Geek Bars entirely or are moving super limited quantities at inflated prices.

🕵️‍♀️ The Feds Are Cracking Down Hard

The FDA and Department of Justice are also running raids and shutting down warehouses full of unauthorized vapes, including Geek Bars. Some shipments have been destroyed. Some are stuck in limbo. It’s a whole mess.

⛓️ Supply Chain? More Like Supply PAIN

Even for legit shops like us, the supply chain has become a total disaster. Distributors who used to send us 100 boxes are now sending 5… or none. Everyone is scrambling to get product, and when it does show up, it sells out fast — often in hours.

🤔 So… Are They Gone Forever?

Not necessarily — but don’t expect shelves to stay stocked. Some manufacturers are trying to move production out of China (hello, Mexico and Malaysia), but that takes time. Geek Bars might make a comeback later this year, but for now, it’s survival mode.

🔄 What Can You Do?

  • Check in often – we restock when we can, but it goes fast.
  • Try alternatives – we carry brands like Lost Mary, Raz, Spaceman, and Flum that are still available and deliver killer flavor.
  • Ask us for recs – our staff knows what’s legit and what hits closest to the Geek Bar vibe.

💬 Final Thought

You’re not crazy. Your favorite disposable didn’t vanish because of some secret vape cabal. The combo of seizures, taxes, crackdowns, and chaos just put Geek Bars (and some others) on the endangered list.

We’ll keep fighting to bring you the best, legal products we can — and we’ll keep it 100 with you every step of the way.

– Team L7 Vapors

(Yes, we miss them too.)

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🌟 New Vape Laws, What’s Currently in Effect (as of July 1, 2025)

✅ 1. Taxation

10% excise tax on the wholesale cost of all vapor products (open-system) now applies statewide.
$0.07/mL tax on closed-system (pre-filled disposables) took effect the same day.
A monthly filing requirement via Form TOB‑552 ensures accountability among wholesalers.

🆔 2. Age ID Enforcement

Retailers must check a photo ID for any customer who looks under 50—rewinding Tennessee’s previous “under 30” threshold—making July 1 the new marker.
No ID = no sale, no exceptions.

🚨 3. Enforcement Authority & Funding

The Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC) now shares enforcement responsibility.
At least two unannounced compliance checks per retailer are mandated each year, with timely follow-ups.
12.5% of all vapor excise tax revenue is earmarked for enforcement operations—funding ABC activities directly.

⚖️ 4. Penalties

Under‑21 sales: first offense incurs a $2,500 fine; second offense triggers at least $20,000 plus license revocation  .
Unlisted product sales: first offense up to $500 per product, escalating at second and third violations to license suspension/revocation  .
Advertising violations (targeting minors or near schools/churches): 30-day correction window, followed by fines up to $2,500, and $20,000 + licensing loss for repeat offenders.

⏳ What’s Coming Soon — Timeline of Upcoming Restrictions

 August 1, 2025
Manufacturers must register products with Dept. of Revenue. Annual $25 fee per SKU. Retailers can only buy from licensed wholesalers.

January 1, 2026
Vapor product directory goes live. Only listed products can be sold—unlisted products face 60-day sell-through, then potentially seizure.

January 1, 2027
Full enforcement: unlisted products are banned from retailing; continued sale is illegal.

📌 Summary

Already in effect:
Dual taxation: 10% wholesale + $0.07/mL disposables
ID required for all purchasers appearing under 50
ABC enforcement with two annual compliance checks and dedicated funding (12.5% of tax revenue)
Heavy penalties for underage sales, unlisted products, and improper advertising

Coming up:
Aug 1, 2025: registration for manufacturers + mandatory sourcing from licensed wholesalers
Jan 1, 2026: directory launches; 60-day phase-out for unlisted product inventory
Jan 1, 2027: unlisted vape products fully prohibited

✅ What This Means for Customers & Shops

Expect higher product prices due to the new tax.
Store staff must vigilantly ID-check any buyers who look under 50.
Manufacturers must be directory compliant or risk banned products.
Shops should track the timeline, clearing unlisted stock before January 2027.
The ABC is on the move—enforcement checks are increasing, and rule-breaking will carry significant fines.

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Tennessee Hemp Law Update: What It Means for You

Tennessee Hemp Law Update Graphic

With the passage of new legislation in Tennessee, big changes are coming to the way hemp-derived products are taxed, sold, and regulated. We’ve received a lot of questions, so here’s a straightforward breakdown of what’s happening—and how it will impact you as a consumer.

New Tax Structure

Starting January 1, 2026, Tennessee will eliminate the current 6% “hemp privilege” tax. In its place, a new wholesale tax will increase the effective rate to 10%. This tax will be applied earlier in the supply chain, but you’ll likely still notice a difference at checkout.

Key Changes You Should Know

1. Fewer Products on Shelves

Many hemp-derived cannabinoid products (HDCPs)—including those containing THCa, THCv, Delta-8, and Delta-10—will no longer be legal for retail sale in Tennessee. This means fewer options will be available in-store.

2. Limited Retail Availability

You won’t find HDCPs at gas stations, convenience stores, or supermarkets anymore. Going forward, these products will only be available through licensed retailers regulated by the Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC), such as liquor stores and specialty hemp/vape shops. These locations will be 21+ only.

3. No Online Sales or Delivery

Under the new law, online ordering and home delivery of hemp-derived cannabinoid products will be banned. All purchases must be made in person at approved retail locations.

4. Higher Prices Likely

Between increased taxes and stricter product limitations, you may notice higher prices on HDCPs. Retailers may need to adjust pricing to manage higher costs and reduced product selection.

5. Stricter Packaging & Marketing Rules

Expect to see tighter regulations on packaging and advertising, especially when it comes to anything that could appeal to minors. This is part of a broader effort to align hemp laws with Tennessee’s alcohol regulations.

6. Industry Uncertainty

As with any major shift in regulation, there’s still some legal gray area. Future lawsuits or amendments could further change how these laws are enforced.

The Law Behind the Changes

These updates come from legislation passed in 2025:

  • House Bill 1376 (HB1376) – Introduced and passed by the Tennessee General Assembly.
  • Senate Bill 1413 (SB1413) – Companion bill in the Senate.
  • Signed into law by Governor Bill Lee on May 21, 2025.
  • Officially recognized as Public Chapter No. 526.

These new rules will go into effect on January 1, 2026.

What’s Next?

At L7 Vapors, we’re staying on top of every development so we can continue providing compliant, high-quality products that meet your needs. As these changes roll out, we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

If you have questions about how these laws might impact your favorite products, stop by one of our locations—our staff is always here to help.

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Tennessee Vaping Law Update: What You Need to Know

Tennessee Vaping Law Update Graphic

Tennessee has passed new laws that will significantly impact how vapor products are taxed, sold, and regulated across the state. As always, we’re here to help you stay informed—and to explain what these changes mean for you as a customer.

What’s Changing?

Starting July 1, 2025, Tennessee will introduce a 10% wholesale “privilege tax” on all vapor products. This tax will be applied at the distributor level but may lead to higher prices for consumers—especially when it comes to disposable vapes. But the tax isn’t the only change.

Key Updates Under the New Law
🔞Age Restrictions
You must be 21 or older to purchase or possess any vapor product, including disposables.
Retailers are required to check ID, especially for anyone appearing under age 50.

🚫Where You Can Vape
Vaping is prohibited in public places like schools, government buildings, and parks.
Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions depending on your city or county.

🏪Where You Can Buy
Vapor products will only be available through licensed retailers.
Online sales are still allowed for now, but that may change as regulations evolve.

Biggest Impact: Disposable Vapes
Tennessee’s new law is placing a strong emphasis on regulating disposables, and the changes are significant.

📝Product Registry
Starting January 1, 2026, Tennessee will publish an official list of approved disposable vape products.
Only products on this list will be legal for sale in the state.

✅FDA Compliance Required
To be approved, a disposable must meet FDA requirements, including:
E-liquid must be processed or mixed in a U.S.-based, FDA-registered facility.
Products containing e-liquid sourced from certain “foreign adversarial countries” (like China) will not be allowed.

❌Effectively Bans Many Popular Brands
This rule will ban most disposables using Chinese-made e-liquids—including well-known names like Lost Mary and Geek Bar.

⏳Sell-Through Period
Retailers will have until January 1, 2027 to sell off any non-compliant disposable inventory.

💸Penalties for Non-Compliance
Any retailer caught selling unapproved disposable vapes may face steep fines.

What This Means for You

You’ll likely notice a significant drop in disposable vape brand and flavor availability by 2026.
You may need to check Tennessee’s official product directory (once available) to confirm which disposables are still legal.
Prices may increase as a result of the new tax and tighter supply chain rules.

We’ve Got Your Back
At L7 Vapors, we’re staying ahead of these changes to make sure our inventory is compliant, our pricing stays fair, and our customers stay informed. Whether you’re a regular user of disposables or exploring alternatives, we’re here to help you navigate what’s next.

Have questions? Come talk to us in-store—our staff is always ready to assist.