Colorado Statewide Rule

Colorado Tobacco 21 Minimum Age Law

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Colorado (2026)

Key Facts

Note: Statewide minimum age 21 since July 2020
Note: Codified at CRS 18-13-121
Note: Covers vapor products and nicotine pouches
Requirement: ID required for buyers appearing under 30
Note: Local governments may impose stricter penalties

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: C.R.S. 18-13-121 - Furnishing tobacco/nicotine products to persons under 21

Summary

Colorado prohibits the sale and furnishing of cigarettes, tobacco, and nicotine vapor products to anyone under age 21 statewide under CRS 18-13-121.

18-13-121. Furnishing cigarettes, tobacco products, or nicotine products to persons under twenty-one years of age. (1) (a) A person shall not give, sell, distribute, dispense, or offer for sale a cigarette, tobacco product, or nicotine product to any person who is under twenty-one years of age. (b) Before giving, selling, distributing, dispensing, or offering to sell to an individual any cigarette, tobacco product, or nicotine product, a person shall request from the individual and examine a government-issued photographic identification that establishes that the individual is twenty-one years of age or older.

Source: C.R.S. 18-13-121 - Furnishing tobacco/nicotine products to persons under 21View official code

Full Breakdown

Effective July 2020, Colorado raised the minimum legal sales age for tobacco and nicotine products from 18 to 21 to align with federal Tobacco 21 standards. The prohibition under CRS 18-13-121 covers cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, e-cigarettes, vape liquid, and nicotine pouches. Retailers must verify a government ID for buyers under 30. Possession by underage individuals can result in mandated education programs. Local jurisdictions may not lower the age but may add stricter penalties or licensing.

Violations & Penalties

Sales to a minor: first offense $250 civil penalty; repeat offenses up to $15,000 plus license suspension. Underage possession may require an education program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal age to buy tobacco in Colorado?

The minimum age is 21 statewide for cigarettes, vape products, cigars, and all nicotine products under CRS 18-13-121.

Are there exceptions for active military members under 21?

No. Colorado removed the military exception when it adopted Tobacco 21, so all buyers must be 21 regardless of status.

Sources

Source

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.