  If M is an oriented 3-manifold, let S(M) denote the Homflypt skein module of
M. We show that S(M_1 connect sum M_2) is isomorphic to S(M_1) tensor S(M_2)
modulo torsion. In fact, we show that S(M_1 connect sum M_2) is isomorphic to
S(M_1) tensot S(M_2) if we are working over a certain localized ring. We show
the similar result holds for relative skein modules. If M contains a separating
2-sphere, we give conditions under which certain relative skein modules of M
vanish over specified localized rings.
