North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has signed a new law that places strict rules on vaping products, and he is expected to soon approve a ban on a controversial drug known as “gas station heroin”. The aim is to stop the sale of harmful products that haven’t been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Vaping Products Now Need FDA Approval
Under the new law, all vape pens and similar nicotine products must be certified as FDA-approved before they can be sold in the state.
The North Carolina Department of Revenue will create a public list of approved products, and retailers may face fines if they sell anything that isn’t on that list.
Strong Penalties for Rule Breakers
Senator Michael Lee, who sponsored the bill, said that strict penalties are necessary to protect young people and public health.
“There are some pretty hefty penalties for manufacturers that bypass these laws,” he said.
Lobbyist Susan Vick, speaking for Reynolds American, described how many vape shops—especially near schools—are full of illegally imported products from overseas.
“They haven’t gone through any FDA process. That makes them illegal,” she explained.
Small Businesses Voice Concerns
Not everyone supports the law. Convenience store owners, many of whom are Asian-American, say the law could hurt small businesses financially.
“It will take hundreds of products off the shelf,” said Ches McDowell, who represents a convenience store trade group. “These products help people feed their families.”
“Gas Station Heroin” Soon to Be Banned
Lawmakers have also voted to ban tianeptine, a drug often sold under names like “Za Za” or “Neptune’s Fix.” It is not approved by the FDA, but it is still sold in gas stations and convenience stores as a dietary supplement.
Tianeptine is often called “gas station heroin” because it’s highly addictive and has been linked to overdoses, seizures, and deaths. If the governor signs the bill (as expected), it will be added to the state’s controlled substances list, making it illegal for retail sale.
Other states like Tennessee, Georgia, and Kentucky have already banned the product.
No Progress on Hemp, CBD or Medical Marijuana Laws
While action was taken on vapes and gas station drugs, North Carolina lawmakers did not pass any new rules for hemp or CBD products, despite support from both the House and Senate.
These products, which contain parts of the marijuana plant, are currently sold without age limits or chemical testing requirements.
Efforts to pass the hemp regulation bill failed after Senate Republicans tried to link it to a medical marijuana legalization bill—a move that the House rejected.
Medical Hope for the Seriously Ill
One positive development: lawmakers approved a bill allowing terminally ill patients to access experimental medical treatments.
“It’s going to save lives and improve quality of life,” said Rep. Allen Chesser.
North Carolina is taking serious steps in 2025 to regulate vaping products and dangerous, unapproved drugs like tianeptine. While these changes are aimed at protecting public health, especially among youth, there are concerns from small business owners about how these laws may affect their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, efforts to regulate CBD, hemp, and medical marijuana remain stuck in political debates. Still, the state is moving forward where there is strong bipartisan agreement—such as protecting vulnerable patients and keeping unapproved drugs off the market.
FAQ Section
Q1: What does the new vaping law in North Carolina require?
All vape products must now be FDA-approved and listed with the Department of Revenue. Unapproved sales can lead to fines and penalties.
Q2: What is “gas station heroin”?
It refers to tianeptine, a dangerous and addictive drug sold as a supplement. It will soon be banned in North Carolina once added to the controlled substances list.
Q3: Are hemp and CBD products regulated in North Carolina?
Currently, no. These products are sold without age restrictions or testing, and lawmakers did not finalize new rules due to political disagreements.
Q4: Will North Carolina legalize medical marijuana?
Not yet. A proposal was made, but the House Speaker said there isn’t enough support from Republicans, so no vote was taken.
Q5: What other laws did lawmakers pass?
A bill was approved to allow terminally ill patients access to experimental treatments, giving hope to those with serious conditions.