Mentor Considers Reinstating Ban on New Vape, Head Shops

The proposed extension would prevent new businesses and expansions while Ohio lawmakers consider hemp product legislation.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Mentor City Council is considering reinstating a citywide moratorium on new vape shops and head shops after a temporary ban expired at the end of 2025. The proposed ordinance would reinstate the ban through July 1 and apply to all zoning districts in the city. The moratorium was originally enacted due to concerns over the sale of hemp-derived THC products, which were widely sold in gas stations and smoke shops before Ohio lawmakers adopted new statewide regulations earlier this year.

Why it matters

The renewed proposal comes as Ohio lawmakers have recently passed new regulations on the sale of intoxicating hemp products, requiring them to be sold only through licensed marijuana dispensaries. Several other cities in the region, including Cleveland, Parma Heights, Lakewood, Richmond Heights, and Middleburg Heights, have also passed moratoriums or restrictions on new smoke and vape shops in the last year.

The details

Mentor's prior moratorium ended on December 31, 2025. City officials last year said the temporary ban was intended to prevent the proliferation of new businesses while state lawmakers considered new regulations. The proposed ban would cover new vape stores and head shops, as well as expansions of existing operations, regardless of zoning classification.

  • The prior moratorium in Mentor expired on December 31, 2025.
  • The proposed new moratorium would be in effect through July 1, 2026.

The players

Mentor City Council

The city council in Mentor, Ohio that is considering reinstating a moratorium on new vape shops and head shops.

Mike DeWine

The governor of Ohio who recently signed Senate Bill 56 into law, which takes effect in March 2026 and ends unregulated retail sales of intoxicating hemp products.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Mentor City Council will vote on whether to reinstate the moratorium on new vape shops and head shops through July 1, 2026.

The takeaway

As Ohio implements new regulations on the sale of intoxicating hemp products, cities like Mentor are taking proactive steps to limit the proliferation of vape shops and head shops while the legislative landscape evolves. This highlights the broader trend of municipalities grappling with the rise of these businesses and seeking to balance public health and safety concerns with economic development.