Age to buy vaping products and cigarettes increases to 21

It may soon be illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to buy vaping products or cigarettes in Mississippi.

Designed to curb vaping among teenagers, Senate Bill 2596 makes it illegal to sell “alternative nicotine” products, including cartridges, liquids, capsules or powders, to anyone under 21.

Traditional tobacco products such a cigarettes are also included in products limited to those 21 and older.

Fines for minors possessing cigarettes or vaping products start at $100 and 15 hours of community service and can be as high as $500 and 40 hours of service for additional offenses.

Sellers’ fines range from $250 for a first offense to $1,000 for third and subsequent offenses.

The bill also makes it illegal to sell alternative nicotine products within 1,500 feet of schools and 1,000 feet of churches and certain other properties.

The previous age limit for tobacco purchases was 18.

The bill is on the governor’s desk for his signature.