Tennessee has not banned flavored tobacco or vape products, and TCA 39-17-1551 limits local authority to regulate tobacco beyond state law. Memphis cannot adopt a citywide flavor ban; only federal FDA flavor restrictions on cartridge e-cigarettes apply.
Tennessee state law occupies most of the field on tobacco product regulation through TCA 39-17-1500 et seq., and TCA 39-17-1551 expressly limits the ability of cities to enact tobacco regulations stricter than state law. As a result, Memphis cannot ban menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars, or flavored vape liquids by ordinance. The federal Food and Drug Administration's January 2020 enforcement policy prohibits flavored cartridge-based e-cigarettes (other than tobacco and menthol), but disposable vapes and open-tank refill liquids are not federally restricted. Memphis residents who want flavor restrictions must lobby state lawmakers in Nashville rather than the Memphis City Council.
There are no local Memphis penalties for selling flavored tobacco or vape products because state law preempts most local regulation. Federal FDA enforcement applies to non-compliant cartridge e-cigarettes.
Memphis, TN
Tennessee raised the legal age to purchase tobacco and vapor products to 21 under TCA 39-17-1504, aligning with the federal Tobacco 21 law. Memphis retailers...
Memphis, TN
Memphis vape and e-cigarette retailers must hold a Tennessee tobacco retailer license, comply with TCA 39-17-1500 et seq., and follow Memphis-Shelby UDC zoni...
See how Memphis's flavored tobacco bans rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.