Rite Aid Corp. will stop selling e-cigarettes in its drugstores and will begin selling cannabinoid (CBD) products.
Company executives said the decision was made due to the increased number of teenagers and children using the products.
“While many feel these products are beneficial to those of legal age who’re trying to quit the use of tobacco, we have made the decision to remove all electronic cigarettes and vaping products from our offering at all Rite Aid stores,” said Chief Operating Officer Bryan Everett.
The company will remove e-cigarettes and vaping products from its drugstores nationwide within the next 90 days but will continue selling traditional cigarettes.
Competitor CVS does not sell any tobacco products. Walgreens, however, sells both traditional and electronic cigarettes. Both companies have recently announced they will begin selling CBD products in select states.
CBD, a hemp-derived cannabidiol, is a nonpsychoactive ingredient in cannabis.
Rite Aid said it will sell CBD creams, lotions and lip balms at stores in Oregon and Washington, citing customer demand.
Although CBD is no longer labeled a controlled substance, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said companies still can’t add CBD to food or sell it as a dietary supplement. However, the FDA announced it will hold a public hearing on regulating CBD on May 31.
