NC Proposes Raising Legal Age for Tobacco and Nicotine Sales to 21

The North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force (CFTF), a working group dedicated to studying the causes of infant and child mortality, has released its annual report for 2025, highlighting the urgent need to address smoking and vaping among young people as a major public health issue. The report proposes several key recommendations, including raising the legal age for selling tobacco and other nicotine products to 21 and implementing mandatory sales licenses for all tobacco retailers.

Aligning with Federal Legislation and Enhancing Enforcement

By suggesting an increase in the minimum age for tobacco and nicotine product sales from 18 to 21, the Task Force aims to align North Carolina’s regulations with federal legislation. Currently, North Carolina is one of only seven states that have not yet raised the legal tobacco sales age to 21. The report emphasizes that limiting the legal age to 18 promotes vaping at a younger age, contributing to the state’s alarming youth vaping rates.

Furthermore, the Task Force highlights the absence of a statewide licensing system for tobacco retailers as a significant obstacle to effective law enforcement. North Carolina is one of nine states that do not require a license or permit from tobacco retailers, making it difficult for authorities to monitor compliance with rules and effectively sanction violations. The report stresses the importance of implementing a robust licensing system, as advocated by public health experts and agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Surgeon General, to reduce youth access to nicotine-based products.

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Addressing the Cannabis Conundrum

In addition to tobacco and nicotine products, the Task Force also expresses concerns regarding the regulation of cannabis products in North Carolina. The report points out that, unlike other states, there is no minimum age at which the sale of intoxicating cannabis-based products is authorized, and no safety regulations are in place.

To address this issue, the working group recommends prohibiting the sale of intoxicating cannabis products to individuals under 21 years of age. The urgency of this recommendation is underscored by the alarming increase in emergency room visits for cannabis ingestion among youth aged 17 and under, which has risen by more than 600% between 2019 and 2023. For 15-17 year-olds alone, the increase is a staggering 1,000%.

The Task Force also calls for the presentation of cannabis products in a less attractive manner, particularly for young people. This includes the application of health warnings and the regulation of packaging and products, prohibiting the sale of cannabis in the form of candies, cookies, snacks, and drinks.

A Call to Action

The North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force’s 2025 report serves as a powerful call to action for state legislators and the governor to prioritize the health and well-being of the state’s youth. With North Carolina facing the 10th highest infant mortality rate in the country and alarming rates of youth vaping and cannabis use, the time for decisive action is now.

By raising the legal age for tobacco and nicotine sales to 21, implementing mandatory sales licenses for tobacco retailers, and establishing strict regulations for cannabis products, North Carolina can take significant steps towards protecting its youth from the devastating consequences of substance abuse. The Task Force’s recommendations provide a clear roadmap for policymakers to address these pressing public health issues and ensure a healthier future for generations to come.

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.