In the United States, the minimum age for purchasing and using vapor products, including electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and other types of vaporizers, is 21 in every state. This is due to the federal law that was enacted in December 2019 raising the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products, including vapor products, from 18 to 21.
It is important to note that some states and localities may have stricter laws regarding the minimum age for purchasing and using vapor products. For example, some states and localities may have laws that prohibit the use of vapor products in certain places, such as schools or public parks. It is important to familiarize yourself with the laws in your state and locality to ensure that you are complying with all applicable regulations.
It is also worth noting that while the minimum age for purchasing and using vapor products is 21, there may be additional restrictions or requirements for the sale and distribution of these products. For example, some states may require retailers to obtain a special license or permit to sell vapor products, or may impose additional taxes or fees on these products.
Why was the legal age for vaping raised?
The legal age for purchasing and using vapor products, including electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and other types of vaporizers, was raised to 21 in the United States in December 2019 as part of the federal law known as the Tobacco 21 (T21) Act. This law was enacted in an effort to reduce the prevalence of tobacco and vapor product use among young people, as research has shown that these products can be harmful to health and that young people are particularly at risk of becoming addicted to nicotine.
The T21 Act also aims to reduce the number of young people who initiate tobacco and vapor product use, as research has shown that the brain is still developing until around age 25 and that exposing it to nicotine during this critical period can have negative impacts on brain development and function. By raising the minimum age for purchasing and using these products, the T21 Act aims to reduce the availability of these products to young people and to discourage their use.
It is worth noting that the T21 Act applies to all tobacco products, including cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and vapor products, and that it applies to the entire United States. Prior to the T21 Act, the minimum age for purchasing and using tobacco products varied by state, with some states setting the minimum age at 18 and others setting it at 21. The T21 Act established a uniform minimum age of 21 across the country.
