Listen up—2025 isn’t the year to be caught slippin’. Between FDA warning letters, state raids, and undercover sting operations, smoke shop owners who aren't on point with compliance are putting their business, inventory, and freedom on the line.
Here’s a real-deal compliance checklist every serious smoke shop owner needs to audit their store today.
Product Compliance – Stop Selling Illegal Trash
You’d be surprised how many shops are still pushing unverified, illegal products. Don’t be one of them.
1. Only carry vapes with FDA authorization or a pending PMTA/AMTA. No paperwork? Pull it off the shelf.
2. Ditch flavored disposables unless you’ve got federal approval in writing.
3. Hemp products must be under 0.3% total THC—that includes Delta-8, Delta-9, THC-A, and any of those sketchy blends.
4. If it was shipped in as “toys,” “chargers,” or “clothing,” and came from China—get rid of it. That’s black market product.
5. Synthetic cannabinoids with wild names? Toss ‘em. If it’s not lab-tested and registered, it’s a lawsuit waiting to happen.
Inventory & Supplier Audits – If You Don’t Know, You’re Liable
You are responsible for every single product on your shelves. Here’s how to tighten up:
1. Demand COAs (Certificates of Analysis) from every supplier.
2. Only accept lab reports from ISO-accredited labs, not some backroom printer special.
3. QR codes need to be on every package—test results should be scannable by anyone.
4. Audit your shelves weekly. Don’t wait for the state to do it for you.
5. If a distributor’s name came up in any enforcement reports lately—cut ties.
Front-End Practices – Don’t Sell to Kids, Period
Want to get your license yanked in 60 seconds? Sell to a minor.
1. Only sell to 21+ customers with valid ID. No exceptions.
2. Staff must be trained to verify age on every single purchase.
3. Use a POS system that flags age-restricted items automatically.
4. Keep daily logs of sales, register counts, and inventory.
Store Security – You’re a Target Now
Vape theft is on the rise. Enforcement is watching. Get your setup tight.
1. Cameras on all sales counters, doors, and product walls.
2. Retain video footage for at least 30 days—longer if your local ordinance requires it.
3. Lock up high-dollar items like disposables, pods, and glass.
4. Know your zoning laws—no selling within restricted distances from schools or parks.
Licensing – The State Doesn’t Care About Excuses
The moment your license expires, you’re not a business—you’re a liability.
1. Keep all state and local tobacco, vape, and hemp licenses up to date.
2. Follow state-specific rules—like Kentucky’s HB 11, Texas THC limits, and Fresno’s cap laws.
3. Post your licenses where inspectors can see them—don’t keep them in a drawer.
4. Train your staff monthly on updates to regulations. Don’t assume they know.
Final Word from Chad
You can have the nicest shop in town, but if you’re not compliant, you’re one knock away from losing everything.
Audit your store. Train your team. Fix your weak spots.
This industry rewards the disciplined and wipes out the lazy. Choose which side of that line you’re on.
Stay sharp. Stay legal. Stay in business.
– Chad Wade
www.ChadWadeTV.com | Smoke Shop Strategies. No Fluff. Just Facts.