New Law
On January 1, 2020 a new law went into effect in Washington State that makes it illegal to sell tobacco and vapor products to anyone under age 21.
Why is this law important?
Helps prevent initiation. Most people that smoke cigarettes start before age 18 and become addicted to nicotine.
Reduces tobacco related deaths and improves health. Every year 8,000 people in Washington die from tobacco related ilnnesses.
Decreases and delays youth use. Studies from the Institute of Medicine show raising the age to purchase tobacco will decrease youth initiation by 25%.
Vaping Associated Lung Injury
Vaping is associated with an outbreak of severe, and in some cases deadly lung injuries across the United States. There are no vaping-associated lung injuries confirmed in Thurston County. There are cases in Washington State.
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