GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – People under 21 had a harder time buying tobacco and vaping products in Wisconsin last year, according to the latest survey that looks at retail sales.
The survey showed tobacco and vape retailers selling to underage consumers fell from 13.6% in 2023 to 11.8% in 2024.
State health officials credit the decline to more awareness about the harm smoking and vaping can cause and the hard work of communities and public health agencies, but there’s more work to do.
The survey monitors sales to anyone under the age of 21. This aligns with a 2019 change in the federal law that raised the legal tobacco sales age from 18 to 21.
Wisconsin is one of only eight states that hasn’t changed its state law to match the federal law.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says that has caused confusion and enforcement challenges statewide. It’s why the Tobacco 21 public awareness campaign exists in Wisconsin.
DHS says it’s seeing more communities stepping up to take positive actions to protect young people.
One state health officer said more than 80% of adult smokers started before the age of 18 and about 95% of them before turning 21.
That officer says it’s important to continue preventing young people from starting to use commercial tobacco and nicotine products to protect their health now and long into their future.
If you want to learn more about quitting, visit WIQuit.org or text 34191 with the word READY for free support.
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