Questions about FDA Banning Online sales

[mikethompson]

Lets just assume for a minute that the FDA succeeds in banning online sales of tobacco. So while we couldn't just fill our carts online and pay for them online, would phone orders still be permissible?
I'm thinking something along the lines of smokingpipes showing prices, and you would fill your cart as usual, but then be required to call and place the order over the phone.
Or would that still be technically selling tobacco online?
Just curious.

 

[voorhees]

There is a way around every rule they come up with. If people want it, they'll figure out a way to get it.
Everybody would have to go old school. I'm good with that.

 

[pappymac]

Well, if there were no large on-line retailers to run the local brick & mortar stores out of business, then maybe some of the small local shops would do better and new shops would possibly open in some areas.
I don't think the FDA would succeed in shutting down on-line sales though.

 

[mso489]

Being old school myself, I'm always tempted to order by phone from the paper catalog, or actually use the order form insert in a paper catalog like Iwan Ries. Usually, I'm finally attracted to the convenience of clicking for what I want, but I'm willing to go the old fashioned route.

 

[mikethompson]

You might just be right pappymac, but in Canada the selection is so poor anyways due to the market size the only way to get specialty blends is through online sources from the US.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

When the FDA banned online sales of chewing tobacco, it killed any across state sales by mail order also. Or, at least it killed it for law abiding businesses. I think a few may still be flying under the radar.

 

[bluto]

Back in the day , we didn’t purchase online , we would vote for our favourite weed and then send along a contribution to the cause
Oddly enough , a free gift would arrive in the mail ..

 

[cosmicfolklore]

What? You smoke weed? This really isn't the place for that. ::

 

[woodsroad]

Does this thread have any basis in reality? Is the FDA threatening to restrict online sales?

 

[cosmicfolklore]

No, but it is something that has happened to other forms of tobacco.

 

[mikethompson]

Does this thread have any basis in reality?

I swear I've heard this brought up in other threads about FDA restrictions and regulations. It was not my intention to spread rumours. My understanding that it was 'coming down the line", but there was no timetable. I'm not trying to stir the pot here! ::

 

[swilford]

Does this thread have any basis in reality? Is the FDA threatening to restrict online sales?

No. The Jenkins Act--which predates the PACT Act by decades--restricted "online" (then mail order) sales of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. The FDA has not indicated that they have any interest in regulating interstate commerce in cigars, pipe tobacco, or electronic cigarettes. Indeed, I vaguely remember reading an answer to a question submitted during a comment period on something where they specifically said that this is outside of their remit.
So, no, FDA does not intend (nor has the authority) to restrict online sales of pipe tobacco. That would require an amendment to the Jenkins Act.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Oh good, then there is no rush... I can just keep procrastinating that huge order I was going to make of C&D products. There's no fear... anymore. ::

 

[woodsroad]

Thank you, Sykes.

 

[3rdguy]

Rabbit hole.

 

[swilford]

Oh good, then there is no rush... I can just keep procrastinating that huge order I was going to make of C&D products. There's no fear... anymore. ::

Oh, gosh, I neglected to mention that the FDA has no intention of regulating interstate commerce in pipe tobacco, except for you, Cosmic...you, sir, are in their crosshairs.

 

[woodsroad]

:rofl:

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I knew it!! I thought maybe I had been probed. Butt, I just needed to get that order for more Burley Flake off ASAP. ::

 

[seacaptain]

Banning on-line sales would be the same as banning interstate transactions - No phone or mail orders would be allowed either.

 

[lawdawg]

I'm glad to hear we don't have to worry about further overregulation of pipes and pipe tobacco by the FDA :wink: