what is legal age to buy cigarettes

As of December 20, 2019, the legal age to buy cigarettes and other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, is 21 years old in the United States. This law is enforced through fines and makes it illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product to a minor under the age of 21. The law applies to all retail establishments and persons with no exceptions. Before this law was passed, the legal age to purchase tobacco and e-cigarettes in most states was 18 years old. Raising the legal age to buy cigarettes to 21 is consistent with the laws for alcohol and has helped reduce drunk driving fatalities and alcohol dependence among youth.