How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy a Vape Without Nicotine?
Vaping has become increasingly popular in recent years, and with that popularity came a lot of questions — especially when it comes to age restrictions and buying vapes without nicotine. How old do you have to be to buy a vape without nicotine?
The law changes. As a result, it can be confusing to know how old you have to be to buy a vape without nicotine.
We'll cover the age requirements, ID checks, where to buy these products, and the safety aspects and potential side effects. By the end of this guide, you'll have a clear understanding of the ins and outs of buying vapes without nicotine. So, let's get started!
At a glance:
How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy a Vape Without Nicotine in the U.S.?
First things first, let's talk about the legal age to buy vapes without nicotine in the United States.
The answer is 21.
Yep, you read that right — even if a vaping device doesn’t contain nicotine, you still have to be 21 or older to purchase it. This restriction exists thanks to the Tobacco 21 law that took effect in 2019.
The law doesn't differentiate between vapes with nicotine and those without. In the eyes of the law, all vapes are lumped together under the same age restriction. So, if you're not quite 21 yet, you'll have to wait a bit longer before you can legally buy a nicotine-free vape.
You may be wondering what exactly a nicotine-free vape is and how it differs from a regular one. It's just a vape with no nicotine in its e-liquid.
Instead, it uses other ingredients like propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavorings to create the vaping experience. Understanding the difference can help you make a more informed decision about whether a nicotine-free vape is right for you.
Why is the Legal Age Set at 21?
Why 21? How did they come up with that number? In November 2019, the Tobacco 21 law was signed, establishing the legal age for purchasing tobacco products at 21 years.
These vaping laws apply to all tobacco-related products, whether they have nicotine in them or not.
The law was passed with the hope of helping prevent underage users from ever starting to use these products. It is based on the idea that many younger people who vape get their products from older friends or siblings. Increasing the age limit cuts off that supply chain and makes it harder for those under 21 to access vapes — both with and without nicotine.
The ultimate goal is to reduce the number of young people who start using tobacco and nicotine products in the first place. Studies have shown that the earlier someone starts using these products, the more likely they are to develop a lifelong addiction.
By increasing the age at which people can first legally purchase vapes, the hope is that fewer young people will start vaping and potentially move on to other tobacco products.
What About ID Checks?
So now you know that you have to be 21 to buy a vape without nicotine. But what about proving your age? That's where ID checks come in. When you go to purchase a nicotine-free vape, whether it's online or in a store, you'll need to provide a valid government-issued ID.
This item could be a driver's license, a state ID card, or even a passport. The retailer must legally verify that you are 21 or older before they can sell you any vape product. And yes, this applies even if you're buying a vape without nicotine.
It's important to note that this is a strict requirement — there's no wiggle room. Even if you look older than 21, the retailer still has to check your ID, and they could get in trouble with the law if they don’t.
If you’re planning to buy any nicotine-free vape products in the store, be sure to bring your ID and be ready to pull it out.
Where Can You Buy Nicotine-Free Vapes?
Now that you know the age requirements and ID checks, you might be wondering where you can actually buy nicotine-free vapes. The good news is that you have options. These products are available at a variety of retailers, both online and in physical stores.
There are quite a few online retailers that specialize in nicotine-free vapes. These sites often have a wide selection of products, ranging from disposable vapes to refillable pod systems.
Shopping online is convenient if you don't have a vape shop nearby. Just make sure you're buying from a reputable retailer to ensure you're getting a quality product.
If you prefer to shop in person, many brick-and-mortar vape shops also carry nicotine-free options. This approach can be a good choice if you want to see the products in person before you buy or if you have questions that you want to ask a knowledgeable salesperson. Plus, shopping locally supports small businesses in your community.
Do your research and buy from trusted sources, whether you purchase online or in person. We recommend avoiding some of the cheaper and more convenient options, such as gas stations and corner stores, because the products from these establishments are usually of lower quality.
Look for retailers with good reputations, positive customer reviews, and a commitment to selling high-quality products. Finding a reliable retailer can save you a lot of headaches in the long run.
Are Nicotine-Free Vapes Safe?
One of the biggest questions people have about nicotine-free vapes is whether they're safe. It's a valid concern, especially with all the news stories about the potential risks of vaping.
The truth is, while nicotine-free vapes don't have the same addictive properties as regular vapes, they're not entirely risk-free.
The long-term effects of vaping without nicotine are still being studied. While some research suggests that nicotine-free vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes, there are still potential risks to consider.
For example, the heating process used in vaping can create harmful chemicals, and some of the ingredients in e-liquids may have adverse health effects.
That's why it's crucial to use nicotine-free vapes responsibly and be aware of the potential risks.
If you're considering making the switch from regular vapes to nicotine-free options, it's a good idea to weigh the pros and cons and evaluate your personal situation. What works for one person may not be the best choice for another.
Potential Side Effects of Nicotine-Free Vapes
Even though nicotine-free vapes don't have the same addictive properties as regular vapes, they can still cause some side effects. These can vary from person to person, depending on how your body reacts to the ingredients in the vape juice.
Some common side effects of nicotine-free vaping include:
- Dry mouth
- Throat irritation
- Coughing
- Headaches
- Nausea
It's worth noting that these side effects are typically mild and tend to subside over time as your body adjusts to vaping. However, if you experience severe or persistent side effects, you should stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
One thing that can help minimize the risk of side effects is understanding what ingredients are commonly found in nicotine-free vapes.
Most e-liquids contain a base of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings, and other additives. Some people may be sensitive to specific ingredients, so it's a good idea to check the label and know what you put into your body.
The Bottom Line
So, how old do you have to be to buy a vape in the United States?
The main thing to know is that you need to be 21 or older to buy vaping products in the United States. It doesn’t matter if they have nicotine or not. Expect to have your ID with you, especially if you’re young.
The long-term safety of using these products is still unknown. Of course, choosing nicotine-free vapes is always a better option because these products do not contain any of the addictive chemicals that get people hooked on smoking or vaping.
While they may be a better alternative to smoking cigarettes or using regular vapes with nicotine, there are still potential side effects and long-term risks to consider.
We think the most significant decision is to choose a reputable company from which to buy your vaping products. A lot of the vapes you’ll find in gas stations and convenience stores are low-quality and can contain harmful ingredients you won’t want to put in your body.
To explore other vaping alternatives, look at some of our plant-based options from ARRØ. They offer a unique and intriguing experience that could be a good fit for your needs and preferences.