Can You Buy a Vape at 18 in Colorado? [2025 Laws Explained]

Vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking, and as vaping products have evolved, so has the regulatory landscape around them. In many states, vaping laws can differ, especially regarding the legal age for purchasing these products. If you are in Colorado and wondering, "Can I buy a vape at 18?" you’re not alone. The answer is more complicated than it seems, and understanding the legal context is crucial.

In this article, we will break down the laws surrounding the purchase of vaping products in Colorado and what they mean for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. We will also explore the broader context of vaping regulation, changes in federal laws, and how these affect consumers in the state of Colorado.

The Federal Law: Raising the Minimum Age to 21

In December 2019, the United States passed a significant law that changed the minimum age for purchasing tobacco and nicotine products nationwide. The Tobacco 21 Act, as it is often called, raised the minimum legal age for purchasing all tobacco-related products, including e-cigarettes and vaping devices, from 18 to 21 years old. This law applies in all 50 states, including Colorado.

Before this federal law was enacted, many states, including Colorado, allowed individuals as young as 18 to buy vaping products. However, the Tobacco 21 Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump, amended the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the sale of these products to anyone under 21.

So, to directly answer the question, no, you cannot legally buy a vape at 18 in Colorado. As of 2019, the legal age to purchase vapes and any other nicotine products in Colorado, as well as across the United States, is 21.

Why Was the Age Raised to 21?

The primary reason behind raising the legal purchasing age to 21 was to reduce nicotine use, particularly among younger populations. Studies have shown that most adult smokers begin smoking at a young age, and the earlier individuals begin smoking or vaping, the more difficult it is to quit later in life. Raising the minimum age to 21 is part of a larger public health strategy to reduce smoking rates and prevent addiction to nicotine among adolescents and young adults.

Additionally, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that teenagers and young adults are more likely to develop nicotine addiction if they are exposed to nicotine at an earlier age. The Tobacco 21 Act aims to curb youth nicotine use, a growing concern, as the use of e-cigarettes among teenagers has been rising in recent years.

Colorado’s State Law on Vaping

Colorado has aligned its state laws with the federal Tobacco 21 Act. This means that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or possess vaping products in Colorado, just as it is at the federal level. Colorado’s tobacco laws extend to all nicotine-containing products, including e-cigarettes, vape pens, pods, and any other type of vaping device.

Additionally, retailers are required to check the ID of anyone who appears to be under 50 years old to verify that they are indeed over 21. This means that even if you look like you are older than 21, you will likely still be asked to show a government-issued photo ID when purchasing vape products in Colorado.

If you are caught attempting to purchase, possess, or use vaping products while underage, you may face penalties. These penalties can range from fines to mandatory educational programs aimed at discouraging tobacco and nicotine use among minors. The consequences are designed to be both a deterrent and a tool to educate young people on the dangers of nicotine addiction.

What Happens if You Are Caught Purchasing Vape Products Under 21 in Colorado?

The state of Colorado, like many others, treats the sale of vaping products to individuals under 21 as a serious violation. If you are caught purchasing vaping products as a minor, you may face a fine, and in some cases, a citation. The penalties can vary depending on the circumstances, but they may include:

1. Fines: If you attempt to buy vape products and are caught underage, you could face a fine. The fine amount may vary by locality, but it serves as a financial deterrent against illegal sales and purchases.
   
   

2. Mandatory Education: In some cases, minors who are caught attempting to buy vaping products may be required to attend an educational program about the dangers of nicotine use and addiction.
   
   

3. Criminal Charges: In severe cases, minors who repeatedly attempt to purchase vaping products or possess vaping devices might face more serious charges, including the potential for criminal consequences. However, criminal charges for underage vaping typically apply when there is repeated behavior or an arrest for possession.
   
   

How Do Retailers Verify Age?

Colorado has strict regulations in place for retailers selling vaping products. Retailers are legally required to verify the age of any customer who looks under 50 years of age by checking a valid government-issued ID. This includes verifying the buyer’s age and ensuring that they are over the age of 21. Retailers who sell vape products to minors can face substantial fines and penalties, which can be detrimental to their business.

Moreover, vape shops and other retailers that sell nicotine products must also comply with state regulations related to advertising, product labeling, and public health. These regulations are part of a larger effort to protect public health and reduce underage access to nicotine products.

Alternatives for 18-Year-Olds

If you’re 18 and living in Colorado, it can be frustrating to find that you’re unable to buy a vape. However, there are still some alternatives for those who are interested in exploring vaping products. Here are a few options:

1. Wait Until You Turn 21: While it may seem like a long wait, the law is in place to protect young people from the risks associated with nicotine use. Once you reach 21, you’ll have full access to the products you desire legally.
   
   

2. Other Nicotine Alternatives: Some people turn to nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) such as nicotine gum or patches, which can be legally purchased at 18. These alternatives are often used as a way to quit smoking or to manage cravings.
   
   

3. Education: Use this time to learn about the long-term effects of vaping and nicotine use. Understanding the health risks involved may help you make a more informed decision when you are legally allowed to purchase vape products.
   
   

How Colorado Enforces Vaping Regulations

Colorado has a history of taking a proactive approach to public health concerns, especially with regard to smoking and vaping. The state has implemented various programs aimed at reducing tobacco use, including a ban on smoking in public spaces and workplaces, as well as restrictions on vaping in certain areas.

The Colorado Department of Revenue is responsible for overseeing the enforcement of vaping laws in the state. The department ensures that retailers comply with age restrictions and other regulations governing the sale of tobacco and nicotine products.

Colorado is also home to numerous public health organizations that work tirelessly to reduce the rates of nicotine addiction and smoking, including the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), which runs programs to educate the public about the dangers of smoking and vaping.

Conclusion

In Colorado, as in the rest of the United States, the legal age for purchasing vaping products is now 21 due to the federal Tobacco 21 Act. While the state of Colorado may have allowed 18-year-olds to buy vaping products in the past, that has changed, and those under 21 are no longer able to legally purchase or possess vaping devices. The law is designed to protect young people from the dangers of nicotine addiction and to help reduce overall smoking rates across the nation.

For those under 21, it’s important to understand that attempting to buy vaping products can lead to fines or other penalties, and retailers must check IDs for anyone who appears under 50 years old. Although you must wait until you turn 21 to buy a vape legally in Colorado, it’s a good idea to educate yourself on the potential health risks of vaping, so when you do finally have access to these products, you can make an informed decision.

Until then, remember to stay patient and informed, and use your time to learn more about healthier alternatives and the long-term consequences of nicotine use.