SILVIS, Illinois -- New changes are now in place for smoke and vape shops across the country. As of August 8, 2016, shops will no longer be able to operate the same way they have in the past.
Big D’s Custom Vape shop in Silvis says the changes are causing the vaping industry to go up in smoke.
“They basically try and say we are making a dangerous, poisonous and addictive drug,” says Donald Burch at Big D’s Custom Vape.
New regulations set by the Food and Drug Administration are now in effect for shops across the country.
Under those regulations, businesses can no longer sell juices made in stores and employees cannot show customers how to handle vape devices.
Burch says the changes won't be good for business, or safety.
“There is going to be a lot of people blowing things up and a lot of people getting hurt because vape shops cannot explain it to them anymore,” says Donald.
Customers say shops have always educated first time vapers but without the help, they are lost.
“If I can't come here to do that or know how to do it then i don't know what I’m going to do? I still don't know 100 percent what I’m doing,” says customer Amber Woodhurst.
Pro vape groups are now pushing back against the FDA, saying the changes could cause the industry to burn out.
“Everything is going to be gone. Shops are going to be gone and big companies are going to be gone,” added Donald.
All products sold in stores have to go through the FDA's application process with no guarantee of approval. Businesses have two years to comply with regulations.
It could cost anywhere from $200,000 to one million dollars for a small shop to sell homemade juice flavors.