COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--Beginning Thursday, the minimum age to buy tobacco or vaping products in Ohio is 21.
Governor Mike DeWine signed the measure into law over the summer, and vetoed a provision that would allow an exemption for those who turn 18 years old before October 17th, when the new age takes effect.
Ohio is the 18th state, to go with Washington DC, to raise the age for vaping and tobacco purchases to 21.
State officials estimate that Ohio will lose approximately 20-million dollars a year in tax revenue with the move.
DeWine says it's a public safety issue, and state health officials have determined vaping among youth is a crisis, with about a dozen hospitalizations across the state due to vaping, mainly among young people.
(photo courtesy Getty Images)