In 2019, the federal government raised the minimum age to buy tobacco from 18 to 21. Colorado followed with a state law in 2020. This change—known as MLSA21—keeps tobacco products like cigarettes, vapes, and chew out of teens’ hands.
Almost 90% of adults who smoke every day start before age 18. 96% start before they turn 21. That makes young adulthood a key window to stop addiction before it starts.
By raising the sales age to 21, teens lose access to tobacco from older friends. People aged 18–20, who often supply younger teens, can no longer legally buy tobacco—cutting off that source.
The national policy could cut teen smoking by 25% and reduce overall smoking by 12%. It may also prevent thousands of low birth weight and preterm births.
In Colorado, early results show promise. Youth reporting easy access to vapes dropped from 63% in 2019 to 49% in 2023. Cigarette use fell too—from 5.7% to 3.1%.
While Colorado has a law to ban retailers from selling tobacco to people under age 21 and a retail licensing program, continued enforcement of these laws and regulations will make it harder for youth to get cigarettes, chewing tobacco, vaping products, and any other nicotine products. Communities can also continue efforts to enact stronger local policies that enhance the statewide MLSA21 law.
Find more information about nationwide MLSA21 policies at tobacco21.org.