Despite vaping becoming the talk of the town in the recent past, it’s troublesome to a certain group of people: curious teenagers.
Because of this, legislators and regulators have held hands to control the access to vaping products among teenagers by pinpointing how old they have to be to purchase these products.
The federal laws signed in 2020 only permit teenagers 21 years of age to buy vaping products.
This piece highlights the age criteria laid out for buying vaping devices across various nations. Hold on and gather more knowledge.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy a Vape?
To get a handle on the theme we’re delving into, you must be familiar with what vaping is.
In essence, vaping entails drawing in vaporized e-liquid which originates from either an e-cigarette device or vaping device. The e-liquid usually has constant constituents such as nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, assorted additives, and a mix of flavors.
The lion’s share of vape companies cater their wares to folks eager to quit the smoking habit. Nonetheless, regulatory bodies have noted a worrying surge in the use of vaping devices among underage individuals, despite the presence of rules to control the buying and selling of such equipment.
To tackle this issue, law-making bodies set an obligatory least age limit for trading anything associated with tobacco – 18 years old. Nevertheless, in 2020, a new regulation emerged, instructing that all merchants should refrain from hawking vaping goods to anyone under 21 years of age.
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Legal Age for Vaping
In recent years, vaping has surged in popularity, frequently held as a less harmful option compared to traditional smoking.
But this acclaim is not without its drawbacks. Specifically, an increasing number of underage individuals are adopting the habit of vaping, thereby escalating their likelihood of respiratory problems, dependency, and experiencing discomfort in the chest. ”
Now, you understand the reason why authorities have established a certain legal age for vaping. However, take note that this age is not uniform across nations.
Below, are the legal age regulations for vaping in different countries:
United States
As a result of American regulators categorizing e-cigarettes as tobacco products, regulations have become more rigid. Currently, retailers cannot sell vape merchandise to individuals under 21 years old.
The individuals who were initially able to purchase these products and are below this age limit are currently banned. In addition, it’s illegal for any parent to give their children access to vapes and vape accessories if they have not attained the legal age of vaping.
| USA State | How Old | Age Required To Vape |
| Alabama | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Alabama | 21 |
| Alaska | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Alaska | 21 |
| Arizona | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Arizona | 21 |
| Arkansas | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Arkansas | 21 |
| California | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In California | 21 |
| Colorado | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Colorado | 21 |
| Connecticut | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Connecticut | 21 |
| Delaware | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Delaware | 21 |
| Florida | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Florida | 21 |
| Georgia | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Georgia | 21 |
| Hawaii | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Hawaii | 21 |
| Idaho | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Idaho | 21 |
| Illinois | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Illinois | 21 |
| Indiana | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Indiana | 21 |
| Iowa | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Iowa | 21 |
| Kansas | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Kansas | 21 |
| Kentucky | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Kentucky | 21 |
| Louisiana | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Louisiana | 21 |
| Maine | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Maine | 21 |
| Maryland | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Maryland | 21 |
| Massachusetts | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Massachusetts | 21 |
| Michigan | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Michigan | 21 |
| Minnesota | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Minnesota | 21 |
| Mississippi | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Mississippi | 21 |
| Missouri | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Missouri | 21 |
| Montana | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Montana | 21 |
| Nebraska | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Nebraska | 21 |
| Nevada | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Nevada | 21 |
| New Hampshire | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In New Hampshire | 21 |
| New Jersey | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In New Jersey | 21 |
| New Mexico | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In New Mexico | 21 |
| New York | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In New York | 21 |
| North Carolina | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In North Carolina | 18 |
| North Dakota | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In North Dakota | 21 |
| Ohio | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Ohio | 21 |
| Oklahoma | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Oklahoma | 21 |
| Oregon | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Oregon | 21 |
| Pennsylvania | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Pennsylvania | 21 |
| Rhode Island | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Rhode Island | 21 |
| South Carolina | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In South Carolina | 18 |
| South Dakota | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In South Dakota | 21 |
| Tennessee | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Tennessee | 21 |
| Texas | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Texas | 21 |
| Utah | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Utah | 21 |
| Vermont | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Vermont | 21 |
| Virginia | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Virginia | 21 |
| Washington | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Washington | 21 |
| West Virginia | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In West Virginia | 21 |
| Wisconsin | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Wisconsin | 21 |
| Wyoming | How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Vape In Wyoming | 21 |
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Canada
Insights from the Canadian Community Health Survey show a continued decrease in smoking among teens. Conversely, statistics from the Canadian Tobacco and Nicotine Survey hold that the prevalence of smoking in adolescent teens (15 to 19 years) has remained stable at 13%
In Canada, it’s illegal to sell tobacco or vaping products to anyone below the age of 18. Despite this, several regions have legislated to raise the age barrier to 19, with some extending it to 21.
These amendments are tailored towards helping the respective body control the number of underage vapers.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom laws prohibit selling tobacco and vaping products to anyone below 18 years. Recently, the number of vapers in the UK increased due to irresponsible retailers selling the products without upholding the rules.
This attracted the attention of the respective bodies to enforce the law, ensuring that nobody below the stipulated age limit can access these products. Any retailer found selling vaping products to underage teens is charged in a court of law.
Per the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, even products related to vaping should be childproof and must carry warning labels on their packaging. Furthermore, there are limits on advertising to safeguard the youth from the promotion of tobacco, vapes, and vape juices.
Australia
Australia has established strict regulations to govern vaping among teenagers. The laws require you to be 18 years of age to purchase any vaping product.
Moreover, individuals under the age of 18 caught possessing will get they supplies confiscated and even face fine and incarceration. Similarly, buying a vaping product (more specifically CBD vapes) in Australia necessitates a prescription from a registered pharmacist.
Retailers can only sell vaping products to people with prescriptions who have attained the required age limit. More so, vaping in a car with someone under 16 years old is prohibited by law.
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Effects of Underage Vaping
A lot of individuals have been influenced into thinking that vaping poses no dangers. In reality, vaping comes with significant risks that one must be conscious of, particularly in the case of minor vapers.
This segment pinpoints the effects of vaping among underage vapers. Let’s check them out!
Exposure to Toxic Chemicals and Harmful Ingredients
Within e-cigarettes, an array of chemicals, particles, metals, and ultrafin coexist. When heated to create an aerosol, these contents morph into toxins that get breathed into the lungs.
Because of the chemical constitution in vapes, even popular flavors such as mint, cinnamon, and butter become harmful to health. Notably, while consuming many of these chemicals might be safe, their transformation due to heating initiates harmful consequences.
When these elements are subjected to heat, they generate harmful substances that impair the lungs when breathed in.
Poisons and Injuries
Most underage vapers do not understand how to identify quality vapors and how to store them properly. Poor quality vapes come with poor battery capacity, while others are modified by the users.
The chances for these gadgets to explode or malfunction are heightened, leading to users experiencing burns and injuries. Should a minor come into contact with the e-liquid through their skin, ingestions, or eyes, there’s a strong chance of nicotine intoxication.
Nicotine poisoning could also provoke nausea, convulsions, or even death.
Exposure to Nicotine
Nicotine is a potent stimulant that, once it enters the body it triggers the nervous system to prepare the body for mental and physical activities. Also, it tempers with your breathing system, making it shallow or rapid, increasing the heart rate, and resulting in high blood pressure.
Underage vaping exposes young people to nicotine at an age when the brain is at a high risk of addiction. Considering our brains continue to mature up until the early adulthood years (25-30 years), it’s hazardous to partake in any addictive substances before reaching this stage in life.
Youths who vape often experience greater detrimental effects when compared to their adult counterparts who utilize similar products.
Addiction
Those who vape underage face a considerable risk of battling addiction. Vaping introduces the highly addictive chemical known as nicotine into one’s body. This prompts a risk of picking up smoking cigarettes as a method to appease the craving induced by nicotine.
When underage vapers stop vaping, they are likely to start experiencing withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include sleeplessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, headache, and intense cravings.
As a result, these symptoms push them back to using nicotine products even if they want to quit. Vaping products are said to have high levels of nicotine, which makes it difficult for users to quit.
Respiratory, Cardiovascular, and Immunity Challenges
Nicotine and other components present in e-cigarettes are closely linked with increased blood pressure, cardiac problems, and rapid heart rhythms. Also, these elements can prompt inflammation issues such as wheezing and asthma.
These elements could impair the immune response of the body, especially in the lungs. They influence the body’s ability to fight off viruses and bacterial infections.
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What Age Group Uses Vapes the Most?
With the establishment of laws in various nations that supervise vaping for minors, numerous individuals globally still find that e-cigarettes are a vital source for their nicotine needs. There’s been a noticeable surge in the usage of such devices among adolescents and young adults.”
A study published in the 2021 Journal of the National Cancer Institute shows that the primary age group for vape users falls between 18 and 44. Interestingly, the trend of vaping is at its peak in the United States, home to approximately 9 million regular vape users.
Furthermore, the majority of e-cigarette consumers don’t engage in the use of tobacco products like traditional cigarettes. Observably, men constitute a considerable percentage of e-cigarette users compared to women
Final Take!
As highlighted above, varying age restrictions are in place for the purchase of vaping products across different countries. In the United States, it’s 21 and 18 in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia (but only with a medical prescription).
Given the inconsistent age limitation guidelines, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the laws in your area to comprehend the age boundaries. Moreover, it’s strictly forbidden for parents to provide their minor children with vaping products.
Even though there are underage teens who still access these products, it’s vital to remind them about the dangers of using vaping products. Remember that vaping products contain nicotine, among other ingredients that are harmful to your health.
As our present discourse comes to an end, did you find it beneficial? We welcome your perspective and urge you to share your insights.
