Q: Now that I am 18, can I legally buy cigarettes?

A: In Arizona, yes. Arizona’s law (A.R.S. § 36-3622) prohibits selling tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18. However, a federal law passed in 2019, called the T21 law, prohibits the sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to anyone under the age of 21 and requires states to change their laws to match or risk losing federal funding. Arizona is one of a few states whose state laws do not match the federal T21 law. Learn more about the federal law on the Consumer Advocates for Smoke Free Alternatives Association (CASSA) page for Arizona: casaa.org/find-my-state-info/arizona

Q: What are tobacco products?

A: Tobacco products are cigars, cigarettes, cigarette papers, smoking and chewing tobacco. Shisha and vapor products are not considered tobacco, but many of the same laws apply to these substances (A.R.S. §13-3622).

Q: Where is smoking tobacco products allowed?

A: The Smoke Free Arizona Act prohibits smoking in all public places and places of employment within Arizona, except (A.R.S. §36-601.01):

• Private residence
• Hotel or motel with designated smoking rooms
• Retail tobacco stores
• Veterans and fraternal clubs that are not open to the general public
• Smoking when associated with a religious ceremony (American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978)
• Outdoor patios as long as the smoke does not enter areas where smoking is prohibited through entrances, windows, ventilation systems,etc.
• A theatrical performance on stage or during a film or tv production

Laws may have changed since the last time this article was updated.  The current and most up-to-date laws can be accessed here.