Tobacco and Vaping
On January 1, 2020, a new law went into effect in Washington State that makes it illegal to sell or give tobacco products to anyone under age 21.
This law:
- Helps prevent initiation. Most people who smoke cigarettes start before age 18 and become addicted to nicotine.
- Decreases and delays youth use. Studies from the Institute of Medicine show raising the age to purchase tobacco will decrease youth initiation by 25%.
- Reduces tobacco-related deaths and improves health. Every year, 8,000 people in Washington die from tobacco-related illnesses.
Washington state regulates vapor products. It is unlawful to sell vapor products to people under 18 years of age. Sellers are required to obtain a license, and products in stores must be inaccessible to minors.
Eliminating Exposure to Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke causes an estimated 49,400 lung cancer and heart disease deaths among non-smokers every year in the United States and is known to cause asthma and chronic respiratory infections. Protect yourself and your loved ones by making your home and car smoke-free.
In 2005, Washington voters approved expanding the Clean Indoor Air Act, now called Smoking in Public Places Law, which makes all indoor public places and workplaces smoke-free. The law prohibits smoking in any indoor enclosed public places all the time.
Ready to quit? Free Help:
- Washington State Quitline
- American Lung Association
- 1-800-QUIT-NOW
- 2MorrowQuit (App)
Additional Resources