Oregon Increases Tobacco Age to 21

Bipartisan legislation aiming to raise the legal limit to purchase and sell tobacco and e-cigarettes from 18 to 21 could help reduce gum disease, mouth cancer and other oral health issues associated with tobacco use. Improving Oregonians’ oral health is a key concern for dentists across the state, and we were in favor of this initiative. Dr. Patrick Haggerty (ODA member) joined Dr. Brian Druker (Knight Cancer Center), and Sen. Steiner-Hayward (also an OHSU physician) on the expert panel testifying in support of the bill. The bill was signed into legislation on Wednesday, August 9th and will take effect on January 1st.