State Law Raising Age To Buy Tobacco, E-Cigs Goes Into Effect

ALBANY — New York has now raised the minimum age to buy tobacco and electronic cigarettes to 21 years old, from 18.

The law goes into effect Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the goal is to prevent addictive cigarette and vaping products from getting to young people.

The New York Department of Health says nearly 40 percent of 12th grade students and 27 percent of high school students are now using e-cigarettes. They say the increase is largely driven by flavored e-liquids.

The Surgeon General says 88% of adult smokers started using tobacco as minors and 90% of those who purchase cigarettes for minors are between 18 and 20 years old.

Cuomo’s administration has pushed to outlaw flavored e-cigarettes, but a court has blocked that ban for now.