Gov. Walz signs bill that raises age to buy tobacco, vape products to 21

Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill on Saturday that prohibits the sale of tobacco in Minnesota to people under 21 years old.

The bill, which passed the Legislature this week, also raises the age to buy vapes and other nicotine products.

Minnesota is now in line with federal restrictions on who can buy nicotine products. Lawmakers say the state law was needed to provide clarity to retailers who were holding out on complying with the change.

“Adopting statewide Tobacco 21 is urgently needed to provide clarity, accountability, and to make it easier for our state and local partners to help in standing up to Big Tobacco for our youth,” said Rep. Heather Edelson, DFL-Edina, the House chief author of the bill.

Prior to the bill becoming law, there were 75 municipalities in Minnesota that had adopted Tobacco 21 policies.