As a general disclaimer, I do not partake in vaping, nor do I know very much about it as an activity and subculture; however, my dad vapes (as it has helped him quit smoking cigarettes) and is therefore cognizant of going-ons within the community. I was shocked when, a couple of months ago, he casually mentioned to me that Pennsylvania will be imposing a 40% sales tax on all vapor products. After further research, I understood that he was right - Pennsylvania passed a 40% wholesale cost tax on vapor products, requiring all stores to give the state 40% of the wholesale value of their entire inventory. Most vapor shops will not be able to afford this; the cashier at the place my dad patrons is confident they will go out of business.

Curious, I one day visited a vape shop and asked the gentleman working what he thought about the new tax. He passionately described to me his frustration with the outrageous policy and its culprit, Governor Tom Wolf. The two of us discussed how this will only cause more people to start smoking cigarettes again as a cheaper alternative (although cigarettes are affected by the tax, they will not become as expensive as vapor products), which seems so far away from why vaping gained popularity in the first place: as a healthier alternative to cigarettes. We must remember though, our government makes a lot of money off of large tobacco companies. With this in mind, it makes perfect sense that they would try to raise demand for cigarettes by making their substitute more expensive.

Wilder and wilder, purchasing vapor products online to evade the state tax can land buyers five years in prison or a $5,000 fine, charged with importing. Additionally, simply possessing vapor products from another state will be criminalized starting October 1st. Those who think they have found a way to quit smoking will have to think again - the options for vape users are limited: pay up or potentially go to jail.