Study Finds Many U.S. Parents Unaware of Legal Tobacco Purchase Age of 21

U.S. parents and caregivers showed that fewer than half knew the legal age to purchase tobacco products is 21, according to a report published April 14, 2026, in Pediatrics by two Stanford University researchers. The federal age limit for buying cigarettes, vapes, nicotine pouches, and other tobacco products was raised from 18 to 21 in 2019.

In the survey, 48 percent of respondents correctly identified the age for cigarettes, while 47 percent did so for vapes and nicotine pouches. By comparison, 82 percent of participants knew the legal age to purchase alcohol is also 21.

The first law restricting tobacco purchases to those 21 and older was enacted in a Massachusetts town about two decades ago.

That measure reduced smoking rates among high school students in the town compared to surrounding areas. Tobacco 21 laws spread to other cities and states over time. Following the 2019 federal law, additional states aligned their policies with the national standard.

In states without updated laws, retailers must still follow the federal restriction, though enforcement is limited without state-level policies.

Implications Studies have shown that Tobacco 21 laws are associated with reductions in cigarette, cigar, and vape use among 18- to 20-year-olds, as well as declines in vaping and smoking among high school seniors.

The push for raising the age stemmed from evidence that individuals starting to smoke between ages 18 and 20 are more likely to develop nicotine dependence and face greater difficulty quitting than those starting at 21 or older. The survey, conducted online as a convenience sample, may not represent the entire population, the researchers noted.

They stated that the findings indicate a need for Tobacco 21 messaging initiatives to reach families with adolescents and promote policy awareness and preventive discussions.