I recently ran out of vape e-liquid and needed a quick fix. To my surprise, the nearby 7-Eleven shop had my back. Now, you must be wondering, does 7/11 sell vapes?
7-Eleven stores do sell vape products across their store network. However, the availability and variety of vapes at these stores will vary depending on the state and city you are in. Some 7-Eleven locations may not carry any vaping products at all, while others may have a limited selection of disposable vapes and e-liquids.
If you want to learn more about vapes at 7-Eleven, read till the end. I’ve covered everything on this right here. Let’s get started!
Do 7-Eleven Shops Sell Vapes?
The simple answer is yes – 7-Eleven stores do sell a limited selection of vape products. Vape products are available across their vast network of nearly 10,000 convenience stores spread throughout the United States.
7-Eleven first started stocking vapes and e-cigarettes roughly around 2010-2011. The products were relatively new in the market then and remained largely unregulated. They offered popular brands like Blu and Njoy alongside their tobacco and nicotine gum selections. Social media from that time indicates consumers could easily find devices and flavored e-liquids at their local 7-Elevens.
2014 social media post about 7-Eleven selling vapes. Source: Reddit
This changed in 2016 when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) started actively inspecting retailers to check for sales of unauthorized modified-risk tobacco products (MRTPs) and flavored e-cigarettes (according to CNN). During inspections across several states, the FDA found 7-Eleven stores selling such unlawful products and issued warning letters to the company.
This resulted in 7-Eleven overhauling their policies and restricting vape sales to only FDA-authorized tobacco and menthol flavored e-cigarettes and pods approved for these devices.
2021 social media post about 7-Eleven selling vapes. Source: Facebook
However, recent evidence again suggests that interested customers can still find a curtailed selection of vape products if they search the cigarette sections carefully. Popular pod-based systems like Juul and Reyn are commonly spotted.
The FDA’s Crackdown On 7-Eleven Stores Over Unauthorized Vapes
During the summer of 2016, FDA inspectors visited numerous 7-Eleven locations across many states, including Washington, South Carolina, Maryland, Arizona, Iowa, Arkansas, Maine, Missouri, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
In several stores, investigators found both flavored e-liquids and vaping devices inclined for recreational use rather than smoking cessation, like colorful mods and sub-ohm tanks. They also found minors freely purchasing such age-restricted products without I.D. checks.
By September 2016 and again 3 years later, in 2019, the FDA issued over two dozen warning letter(s) to 7-Eleven franchise owners and the parent company, citing violations. These included the sale of unauthorized modified-risk tobacco products (MRTPs), especially flavored e-cigarette goods that the FDA had not authorized for helping smokers quit.
In response, 7-Eleven acknowledged the violations and agreed to restrict vape product listings to only FDA-approved tobacco and menthol pods for Juul and other prefilled pod systems. They ensured I.D. verification for all tobacco and nicotine purchases moving forward.
Is it Safe to Buy Vapes at 7-Eleven?
Overall, vapes from reputed brands at 7-Eleven are as safe as from any other regulated store.
While 7-Eleven stocks all legal nicotine products, you must remember that vape safety depends on individual evaluation of each brand. So, as long as you buy vapes from reputed brands at 7-Eleven, you should be fine.
7-Eleven is a reputable and trusted convenience store chain that has been in business for over 90 years. It is unlikely that they would knowingly sell fake or dangerous products to their customers.
Therefore, the safety of buying vapes at 7-Eleven depends largely on the brand and the type of vape you choose.
What Types of Vapes Does 7-Eleven Sell? (Best Vape at 7-11)
Post FDA orders, the vape selection at 7-Eleven is now focused majorly on closed pod systems rather than mod kits. Here are some of the most common vaping devices spotted:
- Juul: By far, it is the top-selling brand present at almost every 7-Eleven. They offer the classic tobacco and menthol Juul pod varieties approved by the FDA.
- Blu: The other leading disposable e-cig brand with its various tobacco and menthol pod options.
- Vuse: The Reyn branded alto device and compatible menthol and tobacco cartridges.
- Logic: The e-cigarette from tobacco giant RJ Reynolds with different nicotine salt pod tastes.
- Njoy: The O.G. vape company is still retailing its pods at select stores.
Mostly, you will find 1st generation pod vapes with prefilled cartridges from these nationally known brands. Selections differ between stores as per individual manager discretion, too. But pods dominate the 7-Eleven vape shelf space consistently.
Where Can I Find Vapes Inside a 7-Eleven?
In most 7-Eleven outlets, you have to look for vaping devices and pods in the cigarette section. It is usually shelved along with other tobacco and nicotine products like gum, lozenges, etc. This smoking area is usually towards the counter registers or behind sales staff.
Specifically, you may discover pod vapes and cartridges lined up on the lower shelves or in standalone displays near classic cigarettes. Larger stores separate pods neatly into wall shelves by brand for easier browsing. Smaller outlets stack them all together in one place.
Some 7-Eleven stores also have special back-wall vape Coolers filled only with pods at a chilled temperature. In contrast, some stores have sleeved racks along perimeter walls away from cigarettes. Some even place vapes near lighters and accessories for exploration.
7/11 Vape Prices: How Much Do Vapes Cost?
As of 2023, the pricing approximately starts for pod devices averages $15-25. Overall, the cost of vaping products is pretty similar to that of other stores.
- For example, the MSRP of a Juul device is approximately $49.99, but commonly spotted at $35–45, depending on store promotions. Original 4% nicotine Juul pods are mostly sold at an MSRP of $15.99 for a 4-pack.
- Blu eCigs and their starter kits range from approximately $10–20, with pods around $10–15 per pack.
- Logic and Njoy pods are priced at $15–18 on average for a standard container.
- Vuse Alto cartridges are usually sold at $15–16 per 4 cartridge packs.
What Are The Age Restrictions For Buying Vapes At 7-Eleven?
Age restrictions around vapes are strictly enforced at 7-Eleven. To maintain compliance, it has tightened age checks on vapes post-FDA actions. Here are the policies in place:
- The minimum age to purchase any vaping product or tobacco item from 7-Eleven stores is 21 years across the USA as per the Federal Tobacco 21 law. Valid ID is mandatory.
- Staff are trained to diligently check the I.D.s of any customer attempting to buy vapes or pods who appears under the age of 30 to ensure they meet the age limit.
- Clear signs are posted at stores stating that customers must be 21+ to buy any tobacco, nicotine, or vaping product from the premises.
- 7-Eleven has a strict policy of denying sales and asking customers to leave the store premises. It is applied if they cannot provide a valid government-issued photo I.D. proving they are older than 21.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 7-Eleven Sell Flavored Vapes?
While 7-Eleven stores do offer a variety of vape products, the availability of flavored vapes is subject to strict regulations. Following the FDA crackdown on flavored e-cigarettes, many 7-Eleven stores have limited their selection to primarily tobacco and menthol flavors.
However, in some regions, you might still find a limited range of flavored vapes, but their availability greatly varies depending on state laws and individual store policies.
Does 7/11 Sell Elf Bars?
Elf Bars, known for their disposable and flavored vape options, have been gaining popularity. As of the latest information, select 7-Eleven stores do stock Elf Bars. However, availability is inconsistent and largely dependent on local store policies and regional regulations. It’s always a good idea to check with your local 7-Eleven store to see if they carry this specific brand.
Does 7/11 Sell Breeze Vapes?
Breeze Vapes, another popular choice among vape users, are not universally found at all 7-Eleven locations. Some stores may offer them, but similar to Elf Bars, their presence in 7-Eleven is not consistent across all locations. The availability of Breeze Vapes in 7-Eleven stores can vary, so it’s advisable to inquire directly at your nearest store.
Does 7-11 Sell Vapes in California?
In California, the sale of vapes at 7-Eleven stores is influenced by stringent state regulations. While you can find vape products in California 7-Elevens, the variety is often more limited compared to other states. California’s laws particularly affect the availability of flavored vapes, so options in this category might be scarce.
Does 7/11 Sell Vapes in Florida?
The situation in Florida is somewhat different from California. Florida’s regulations around vape sales are less restrictive, allowing a broader selection of vape products at 7-Eleven stores. This means that in Florida, you’re more likely to find a wider range of vaping devices, including possibly flavored vapes and popular brands like Elf Bars and Breeze Vapes.
Final Verdict
So, does 7/11 sell vapes? 7-Eleven convenience stores do sell a limited selection of vaping devices and pods across their stores in the United States. However, what’s available varies per locality depending on individual manager discretion and ongoing policy changes.
Since 2016, the FDA crackdown has restricted 7-Eleven’s offerings mostly to tobacco and menthol pod varieties for devices like Juul and Blu, approved as tobacco cessation aids. However, occasional sightings of other legal products occur inconsistently in certain outlets.
Nevertheless, purchasing vapes from 7-Eleven is reasonably safe if you stick to national brands and inspect seals and dates before buying. Prices are on par with other regulated retailers.
