BOSTON (AP) — A federal judge is weighing whether to order a temporary halt to Massachusetts’ four-month ban on the sale of vaping products.
District Judge Indira Talwani heard arguments in Boston federal court Friday in two lawsuits challenging Gov. Charlie Baker’s Sept. 24 ban.
Industry trade group the Vapor Technology Association and local vape shop owners argue the ban will destroy Massachusetts’ $331 million nicotine vapor products industry and cause “irreparable harm” to law-abiding retailers, manufacturers, and distributors.
They want the ban temporarily lifted until their cases are decided. Talwani said she’d potentially issue a decision later Friday. She also set the next court hearing for Oct. 15.
Gov. Baker issued the ban after state officials reported 10 probable or confirmed cases of lung illness caused by e-cigarette products.
