The legal age to buy cigarettes, tobacco and related products in Washington was raised from 18 to 21 years old.

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Gov. Jay Inslee signed the new age restrictions on tobacco and vaping products into law Friday after working for nearly seven years to get the changes through the Legislature.

The rules require people to be 21 to buy cigars and cigarettes, cigarette paper, tobacco and vaping products and will take effect Jan. 1 next year.

According to research, a majority of today's smokers started the habit before they reached the age of 21.

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