Vaping has become increasingly popular in the United States and around the world. It’s easy to see the appeal: vaping provides the same sensations as smoking, but without the dangerous toxins and carcinogens. But before you get started on your vaping journey, it’s important to understand the legal age restrictions for vaping in your area.
In the US, the age to vape legally is currently 18. Most US states have raised the minimum age for purchasing and using vape products to align with existing tobacco laws, which generally restrict purchasing, possessing, and using tobacco products to those aged 18 or over.
Under the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, a person must be at least 18 years old to buy, attempt to buy, or possess a vapor product. In some states, even if an individual is already 18, they must be 21 or older to buy or attempt to buy a vapor product. However, the FDA has not imposed any age restrictions on the use of these products, so it is possible to begin vaping at any age, as long as they have the permission of a guardian.
Is Vaping Safer Than Smoking?
It’s no secret that smoking is hazardous to your health. Cigarette smoking is associated with a vastly higher risk of developing numerous health problems, such as cancer and respiratory diseases. Because of this, many people have turned to vaping as a less harmful alternative.
Vaping does not involve burning or combustion and can be significantly less harmful than smoking cigarettes. Most e-liquid contains just four ingredients: propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, nicotine, and flavorings. There is no tar, no ash, and no smoke involved.
It is impossible to say whether vaping is totally safe, as there are still potential risks associated with nicotine use. Nicotine is known to be addictive, and has been linked to cardiovascular, digestive, and nervous system disorders. But there is some evidence to suggest that vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes, since it does not involve burning tobacco or exposing the body to the dangerous chemicals found in most cigarettes.
Regulation of Vape Products
In the United States, the regulation of vape products is currently split between the federal government and the individual states. The federal government regulates the sales of vape products through the FDA, which requires that all vape products contain a warning label stating the product contains nicotine.
In addition, the federal government has also proposed regulations on the production and marketing of vaping products. These proposed regulations have not been finalized, but they currently cover a variety of topics, including age restrictions, warning labels, health advisories, ingredient listings, advertising restrictions, and more.
At the state level, individual states have the right to set their own age restrictions for purchasing and using vape products. Some have adopted the federal minimum age of 18, while others have raised the minimum age even higher. For example, California recently increased their minimum age to 21, while New York plans to raise their minimum age to 21 as well.
Conclusion
Vaping has become an increasingly popular alternative to smoking cigarettes, and it can be a great way to kick the habit if you are an adult. But it is essential that you understand the regulations surrounding vaping in your area and adhere to the legal age restrictions for purchasing and using vape products. Remember, the age for vaping legally in the US is currently 18, but individual states may have raised their minimum ages even higher. Vaping can be a safer alternative to smoking, but you must ensure that you take all the necessary precautions to reduce the risks associated with nicotine use.
References
FDA. (2020, August 28). Warning Letters and Test Results for Vape Products. Retrieved from www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/labeling-health-documents/warning-letters-and-test-results-vape-products
Schneider, L. (2018, August 21). Could Vaping Help You Quit Smoking? Retrieved from www.healthline.com/health/quit-smoking/vaping
U.S. Department of Justice. (2020). Summary of the FDA Deeming Rule: Regulations for Vapor Products. Retrieved from www.justice.gov/opa/page/file/1230121/download