Dec 27, 2019 - Health

FDA officially raises age to buy tobacco to 21

No Smoking and No Vaping sign

No Smoking and No Vaping sign. Photo: Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

The Food and Drug Administration officially raised the age to buy tobacco in the U.S. from 18 to 21, fulfilling a key portion of the federal spending package that President Trump signed into law last week.

The big picture: The decision comes faster than some expected as the FDA had six months to amend their policies after Trump signed the bill and another 90 days to officially adopt the change. 19 states and the District of Columbia had already put in place laws to raise the minimum buying age for tobacco products — including cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes — to 21.

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