Meriden, CT - State Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-Fairfield) joined Governor Ned Lamont, students, educators and public health advocates to celebrate raising the age to purchase tobacco and vaping products in Connecticut to 21. The event was held at O.H. Platt High School in Meriden. The new law, known as Tobacco 21, went into effect on October 1.
The legislation (Public Act 19-13) prohibits the sale of cigarettes, tobacco products, electronic delivery systems, and vapor products to anyone under the age of 21.
“Tobacco and e-cigarette companies target young people,” said Rep. McCarthy Vahey, “We have a vaping epidemic in our schools. This law is an important step to reduce use amongst young people - but it is just a step. There is more work ahead of us and I intend to continue partnering with stakeholders to protect the health and safety of our young people.”
According to the state Department of Public Health, 95% of adults who are addicted to nicotine started before they turned 21.
Nationwide, and in Connecticut, e-cig use among middle and high school students is on the rise. A state Department of Public Health 2017 Youth Tobacco Survey found that e-cigarette use among Connecticut high school students has more than doubled from 7.2 percent using in 2015 to 14.7 percent using in 2017.
“Students, including some Fairfielders, have been at the forefront of the efforts to pass Tobacco 21,” Rep. McCarthy Vahey said. “I have been so impressed with the engagement on this issue from young people – your voices were heard in Hartford.”