what is the legal smoking age

As of December 20, 2019, the minimum legal age to purchase or use tobacco products in the United States is 21. This applies to all retail establishments and persons with no exceptions. Prior to this, the minimum legal age varied by state. It is illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product, including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes, to anyone under 21 years of age. The federal law does not provide any exemptions from the new minimum age of 21 for the sale of tobacco products, including for active duty military personnel or military veterans ages 18-20. Many countries have laws that forbid the sale of tobacco products to persons younger than certain ages, usually the age of majority. In New York State, the minimum legal age to purchase tobacco and vapor products is also 21.