Here's what you should do before buying any vape product, especially if you're new:

• Search the FDA database: Go to the Tobacco Product Marketing Order Search and type in the product name or the company. Look for 'marketing granted order' status.
• Check the exact product: Authorization is product-specific, not brand-wide. The same brand might have one product authorized and another not. Don't assume.
• Cross-check the company: Make sure the company name matches exactly. Sometimes a subsidiary might be listed instead.
• Look for the PMTA number: If you can find it, the PMTA number is a unique identifier. It helps confirm you're looking at the right product.
• Ask the retailer: A reputable retailer should be able to tell you about a product's FDA status. If they can't, that's a red flag.
• Check state rules: Some states have their own restrictions on vape sales, like flavor bans or age requirements. Even if a product is FDA-authorized, it might not be legal in your state.
• When in doubt, skip it: If you can't verify authorization, it's safer to choose a product that is clearly authorized.