New for the New Year: Must be 21 to buy tobacco products in Washington

Starting January 1, 2020, no one under the age of 21 in Washington will be able to buy tobacco or vaping products.

The new legislation makes Washington the ninth state to raise the smoking age to 21.

The law does not provide penalties for anyone underage found in possession of cigarettes, chew, or vaping materials, but prohibits retailers from selling tobacco to anyone under 21 years of age.

According to Governor Jay Inslee’s office, raising the smoking age has been documented to reduce reported tobacco use among high school students.

“By passing this bill, the Legislature is saving thousands of Washingtonians from a lifetime of addiction and smoking-related illnesses,” said Attorney General Bob Ferguson in March when the Legislature passed the bill. “Because 18- to 20-year-olds supply younger teens with tobacco and vape products, this will reduce the number of cigarettes and vape products in our high schools, which will lead to fewer kids getting addicted.”

Oregon raised its smoking age to 21 in 2018.