Can You Buy Vapes at 18?

Whether you’re new to vaping or just turned 18 and wondering if you can buy vapes at 18, the answer depends on where you live.

Vaping laws and regulations vary by region and are constantly evolving, especially as youth vaping concerns grow.

This guide details the legal vaping age, 2025 regulations, and differences between state and federal laws.

can you buy vapes at 18 — *Can you buy vapes at 18*

What is the legal age to buy vapes?

As of 2025, the legal age to purchase vaping products in the United States is 21.

This includes disposable vapes, vape pens, e-liquids, nicotine salts, and any other vaping-related products.

This change stems from the Tobacco 21 Act, signed into federal law in December 2019. It raised the minimum age for purchasing tobacco and e-cigarette products nationwide from 18 to 21.

https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/retail-sales-tobacco-products/tobacco-21

Federal vs. State Laws

Although some states previously permitted e-cigarette sales to individuals aged 18 or 19, federal law now supersedes these local regulations.

Federal law is enforced at all retail points across the United States, regardless of state statutes. This means:

It is illegal to purchase e-cigarettes at age 18 anywhere in the U.S.
Retailers caught selling to individuals under 21 face substantial fines and penalties.
Online e-cigarette retailers must also verify customer age before shipping.

Why Raise the Legal Age?

To address rising teen vaping rates, the government enacted the Tobacco 21 Act. Research indicates raising the minimum purchase age to 21 significantly reduces high school students’ access to e-cigarettes, as younger teens often obtain these products from 18-year-old peers.

Health agencies like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) support this initiative, believing it will yield long-term public health benefits and better regulate access to nicotine products.

Can you buy e-cigarettes at 18 outside the U.S.?

Yes, in some countries, purchasing e-cigarettes remains legal at age 18. Here is a brief overview:

Country	Legal Age to Purchase E-Cigarettes
UK	18
Canada	18 or 19 (varies by province)
Australia	18 (with prescription)
Germany	18
New Zealand	18

Before purchasing e-cigarette products abroad, be sure to check local regulations, especially when traveling or considering orders from international retailers.

What happens if minors purchase e-cigarettes?

If you attempt to buy vapes in the US under the age of 21, you may face the following consequences:

Retail Denial: Stores use ID scanners or manual checks to verify age.

Fines or Confiscation: Some states penalize minors for drug possession.

Online Restrictions: Many online vape shops use third-party age verification services.

Retailers caught selling to minors also face legal action and potential license revocation.

Conclusion

To answer the initial question—can you buy vapes at 18?—the answer in the U.S. is unequivocal: No, it is illegal.

Federal law mandates that all e-cigarette purchasers must be at least 21 years old, and this rule is strictly enforced across both retail and online platforms.

If you are under 21 and considering vaping, it is best to wait until you reach the legal age.

For parents, educators, or retailers, understanding the latest regulations helps ensure compliance and responsible behavior.