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How Old Do You Have To Be To Vape?

How Old Do You Have To Be To Vape?

Written by Joshua Sosin

Whether you’re just getting into vaping THC or you’ve been enjoying it for a while, one question comes up all the time: how old do you really have to be to vape?

The answer depends on what you're vaping, where you are, and what kind of product you’re holding in your hand. The legal vaping age can vary across states and countries, and the rules around vaping hemp-derived cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC, THCa, and CBD are a whole different thing from nicotine.

Let’s break it all down so that you know what age restrictions to expect.

Table of Contents

  • What Is Vaping?

  • Federal Vaping Age in the U.S.

  • Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids vs. Nicotine

  • State-by-State Differences in the Legal Age to Buy Vapes

  • Age Limits for Vaping Delta-8, THCa, and CBD

  • Online Orders and Age Verification

  • Can You Travel with Disposable Vape Products?

  • Final Thoughts

First: What Is Vaping THC?

Vaping is a method of inhaling vaporized substances using a device like a vape pen, disposable, or cartridge system. What you’re vaping can vary — it might be nicotine, flavored e-liquid, or hemp-derived cannabinoids like Delta-8 THC, THCa, or CBD.

Here at Mood, we focus on hemp-derived cannabinoids — all legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. That means everything we offer is derived from hemp and contains no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. Our vapes are zero-nicotine products, but they do have psychoactive effects.

Even with federally legal hemp products, you still need to be of age to buy and use them. These laws keep young people safe, just like the laws surrounding traditional cigarettes.

Federal Vaping Age in the U.S.

The federal minimum age to buy any vaping product — including both nicotine and hemp-derived options — is 21.

That law came into effect in December 2019 through the Tobacco 21 Act, which raised the legal age for all tobacco and vape product sales from 18 to 21 nationwide. The law applies to all products that can be inhaled, even if they don’t contain nicotine.

This includes hemp vapes like Delta-8, THCa, and CBD when sold in vape form. So even if it’s not tobacco or nicotine, you still need to be the same age — 21 — to purchase and use it legally in most cases.

Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids vs. Nicotine Vape Juices

There’s a big difference between vaping nicotine-based e-liquids and hemp-derived cannabinoids.

  • The FDA strictly regulates nicotine vapes and e-cigarettes and subjects them to tobacco product laws, which are in place to prevent teen vaping.

  • Hemp cannabinoids like Delta-8, THCa, and CBD fall under the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp-derived products federally — but left regulation of vaping laws up to the states.

That means you can legally vape Delta-8, THCa, or CBD in most places if you’re the minimum legal age of 21 or older, but some states have banned or restricted certain cannabinoids entirely.

Age Limits for Vaping Delta-8, THCa, and CBD

Let’s break this down by cannabinoid:

  • Delta-8 THC: Most states that allow Delta-8 enforce a 21+ age limit, just like with nicotine or Delta-9 THC.

  • THCa: Because THCa is federally legal when derived from hemp, many retailers (like us at Mood) still enforce 21+ for purchase. When heated, THCa’s effects are significantly amplified, and it’s treated more like a high-potency THC product in many states.

  • CBD: Some states allow CBD at 18+, especially in non-inhalable forms. But CBD vapes? Still considered vape products, so you’ll need to be 21 to hit that minimum vaping age.

When you’re shopping with Mood, we follow a strict 21+ policy for all cannabinoid vapes — even if it’s just CBD. We take compliance seriously, and we want you to feel good knowing you’re getting safe, legit products.

Online Orders and Age Verification

Ordering vape products online is easy — but that doesn’t mean it’s unregulated. Every reputable seller (including Mood) uses age verification software to make sure customers are 21+.

We use AgeChecker to make sure everyone who buys from us meets the state legal age requirements. Here’s what to expect when shopping online from us:

  • You may be asked to upload or scan a valid ID

  • You might be prompted to enter your birthday and verify through a secure portal

  • Your shipping address must match the state’s regulations for the product

Pro tip: If a website isn’t checking your age or verifying your ID for vape products, it’s probably not a source you want to trust. Shady sites don't always abide by federal laws or require customers to be at least 21 years old, which can create legal problems for everyone.

Can You Travel with Vape Products?

If you’re of age and your products are legal in your home state, you’re probably good to travel — but not everywhere.

  • Air travel: The TSA allows hemp-derived products with < 0.3% Delta-9 THC, but you’ll want to keep your vape in your carry-on.

  • Crossing state lines: Be cautious — just because something’s legal in your state doesn’t mean it’s legal in the next one. States with Delta-8 or THCa bans may confiscate your product or worse.

  • International travel: Big no. Many countries treat any form of THC or hemp like a controlled substance, even if it’s legal here. That includes non-nicotine vapes like the ones we sell in the Mood Shop.

Always do a quick check of your destination before packing a vape. Better safe than sorry.

Final Thoughts on Vaping Rules

So, how old do you have to be to vape?

Based on federal legislation, the answer is 21, plain and simple. That’s the federal minimum across the U.S., and that includes everything from nicotine to Delta-8 to THCa to CBD. Some states go even further, restricting or banning certain cannabinoids altogether.

At Mood, we’re proud to be part of the hemp movement, but we take access seriously. We’re here for responsible enjoyment, real transparency, and the best legal cannabis products online. That starts with respecting the rules.

Ready to explore premium hemp vapes made for grown folks? Check out our full lineup of disposable vaping devices. Every one of them is third-party tested and federally compliant.

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