The state budget bill signed into law on July 18 contained provisions that raise the legal age for a person to receive or purchase cigarettes, other tobacco products, alternative nicotine products, or papers used to roll cigarettes from 18 to 21. Provisions regarding this age policy change also include a requirement for clear and visible signage to be posted where these products are sold indicating the new legal age for receiving or purchasing them.
Governor DeWine did veto the portion of the Tobacco to 21 language that would have grandfathered in the tobacco purchase age of persons currently 18, 19, and 20 years of age.
The state budget also creates a new tax on vaping products assessed at 10 cents per milliliter.