On Monday, Oct. 1, the minimum age to buy tobacco products in the city of Denver was raised from 18 to 21. The Denver City Council discussed the issue at their meeting, and all voted in favor of the ordinance except for one councilwoman, who was absent. The law was signed by Mayor Michael Hancock and went into effect immediately.

The new ordinance includes all products containing nicotine, along with devices used to consume them. Also, beginning in 2020, all retailers of tobacco products must obtain a license in order to sell them. The license will cost $500 annually to renew. Retailers will also have to be at least 1,000 feet away from schools and city-owned recreation centers and pools.

This new law comes in the midst of a nationwide debate over teen vaping. Originally marketed as e-cigarettes used to help people quit smoking, there has been a sudden surge in minors using products from companies like Juul. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, one in four high school seniors reported vaping in the past month. Many have accused companies like Juul of marketing their products toward youth. Recently, there have been reports of many teens being hospitalized due to vaping. The CDC and FDA are investigating nearly 200 such cases. The Trump administration also announced that they would look into banning flavored vape products as the reports of vape related hospitalizations grows.

While the new law currently only affects the city of Denver, a few lawmakers have discussed raising the minimum age statewide. State Rep. Colin Larson, R-Littleton, and state Sen. Kevin Priola, R-Henderson, have discussed drafting a statewide bill, according to the Denver Post. Whether or not the new law in Denver will show a decrease in minors accessing vapor and tobacco products remains to be seen.