CLALLAM COUNTY – The legal age to smoke and vape tobacco products goes up to 21 years-old on January 1 in our state.
State lawmakers passed Engrossed House Bill 1074 earlier this year over growing concerns about increased nicotine use, particularly of vape products, among teens.
The US House and Senate have passed a similar measure, and the president is expected to sign it.
In 2018, one in five Washington 10th graders and one in three 12th graders reported using vapor products.
Clallam County Health and Human Services says nearly all school-aged teens get their tobacco and nicotine products from their peers who can legally buy them. They say raising the legal age of sale will help protect young people by preventing them from getting tobacco and vapor products from 18-, 19- or 20-year-olds.
Tobacco kills more than 8,000 Washingtonians each year. Washingtonians can get free help to quit smoking or vaping by contacting the Washington State Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUITNOW or by accessing the smartphone app at www.doh.wa.gov/quit.
Parents and schools can find more information about how to address youth vaping at www.youthnow.me/schools.