An FDA proposal released Thursday would regulate the sale of e-cigarettes for the first time.
The federal agency is looking to ban the sale of popular "vaping" products to minors, as well as force manufacturers to disclose ingredients.
The proposal has a 75-day public commentary period.
When Chris Adams opened his Plano-based business Xtreme Vapes in 2013, he said his only obstacle was finding a landlord.
"At the time, there was no regulation at all," Adams said.
He and his wife are in the business of selling battery-operated e-cigarettes, vaporizing devices and the nicotine-laced liquid used inside of them.
Adams said he became a believer in the product after he claims it helped him ditch his pack-and-a-half-a-day cigarette habit.
"I've tried gums and patches and everything else," agreed employee Marcus Sandefer.
Posted on Adams' door is a clear sign of a policy he's instated himself: "WE ID".
While Plano has not placed regulations on e-cigarette sales like neighboring Frisco, Adams said he's set his own precedent.
However, it soon may not be a choice.
On Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration released proposed guidelines to regulate the industry for the first time.
It would basically make the rules about selling nicotine products similar to involving tobacco.
The lengthy proposal would ban e-cigarette sales to minors, prohibit distributing free samples, require warning labels about the presence of addictive nicotine and force manufacturers to disclose the ingredients of their products.
Adams said there is concern within the North Texas "vaping" community about the impact on business.
However, he's in favor of regulation, especially to make sure stores are not selling liquid product from overseas, which he fears may be harmful.
"I honestly think it's going to be a good thing. Because there are shops that don't do the research that other stores do and just pick a liquid and sell it."
The proposal would not restrict online sales and television advertising.
There is also a 75-day public comment period, meaning the proposal is not yet law.
There are currently no long-term studies proving that e-cigarette use is safer than traditional cigarettes, nor is there enough research to prove the products can help a person quit smoking.
