Age Structure
Smoking Age by State 2025
Federal MLSA
21
State | Federal MLSA↓ | State MSLA | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Alabama | 21 | 21 |
 | Alaska | 21 | Less than 21 |
 | Arizona | 21 | Less than 21 |
 | Arkansas | 21 | 21 |
 | California | 21 | 21 |
 | Colorado | 21 | 21 |
 | Connecticut | 21 | 21 |
 | Delaware | 21 | 21 |
 | District of Columbia | 21 | 21 |
 | Florida | 21 | 21 |
 | Georgia | 21 | 21 |
 | Hawaii | 21 | 21 |
 | Idaho | 21 | 21 |
 | Illinois | 21 | 21 |
 | Indiana | 21 | 21 |
 | Iowa | 21 | 21 |
 | Kansas | 21 | 21 |
 | Kentucky | 21 | 21 |
 | Louisiana | 21 | 21 |
 | Maine | 21 | 21 |
 | Maryland | 21 | 21 |
 | Massachusetts | 21 | 21 |
 | Michigan | 21 | 21 |
 | Minnesota | 21 | 21 |
 | Mississippi | 21 | Less than 21 |
 | Missouri | 21 | Less than 21 |
 | Montana | 21 | Less than 21 |
 | Nebraska | 21 | 21 |
 | Nevada | 21 | 21 |
 | New Hampshire | 21 | 21 |
 | New Jersey | 21 | 21 |
 | New Mexico | 21 | 21 |
 | New York | 21 | 21 |
 | North Carolina | 21 | Less than 21 |
 | North Dakota | 21 | 21 |
 | Ohio | 21 | 21 |
 | Oklahoma | 21 | 21 |
 | Oregon | 21 | 21 |
 | Pennsylvania | 21 | 21 |
 | Rhode Island | 21 | 21 |
 | South Carolina | 21 | Less than 21 |
 | South Dakota | 21 | 21 |
 | Tennessee | 21 | 21 |
 | Texas | 21 | 21 |
 | Utah | 21 | 21 |
 | Vermont | 21 | 21 |
 | Virginia | 21 | 21 |
 | Washington | 21 | 21 |
 | West Virginia | 21 | 21 |
 | Wisconsin | 21 | Less than 21 |
 | Wyoming | 21 | 21 |
- The Minimum Legal Sales Age (MLSA) for tobacco products was raised from 18 to 21 years in 2019, rendering it illegal for retailers to sell tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes to anyone under 21.
- Some states, but not all, have subsequently raised their own MLSA to 21 to match the federal guideline.
- MIssissippi’s approach is unique among the states. As of 2025, Mississippi law states that individuals under 21 are prohibited from purchasing tobacco products—however, vendors are legally permitted sell tobacco products (but not alternative nicotine products such as e-cigarettes) to individuals as young as 18. Until this loophole is closed, Mississippi will be classified as an “under 21” state.
- Although some states have not raised their MLSA, the federal guideline overrides state-level regulations.
The tobacco landscape in the United States has undergone significant shifts in recent years, with smoking becoming increasingly less prevalent among the population. Public awareness campaigns, coupled with stringent regulations on smoking in public spaces, have contributed to a decline in the popularity of this habit. Despite these changes, smoking remains a prevalent issue, with tobacco-related illnesses continuing to pose significant health risks.
As part of efforts to combat smoking, many states have raised the minimum legal age for purchasing tobacco products. This move aims to deter young individuals from starting smoking at an early age, thereby reducing long-term tobacco use and associated health problems. Currently, the majority of states have set the legal smoking age at 21 years old. However, some states, such as Alaska, Arizona, and North Carolina, allow smoking at a younger age, typically less than 21 years old. This variation in smoking age regulations reflects ongoing debates and policy adjustments aimed at addressing the complex public health challenges posed by tobacco use.
