Montana health department to enforce flavored vaping ban

By AMY BETH HANSON Associated Press

Montana's health department says it will begin enforcing its emergency ban on the sale of flavored vaping products beginning next Wednesday.

The agency said Friday a temporary restraining order preventing the ban from taking effect expired on Oct. 28.

A judge heard arguments on a motion by industry groups seeking a preliminary injunction against the ban six weeks ago, but the judge has not issued a ruling.

The state issued the rules to temporarily restrict the sale of flavored e-cigarette products, citing reports of lung injury and deaths by people who had used vaping products.

State officials say those concerns remain, along with concerns about minors trying flavored e-cigarettes and becoming addicted to nicotine.