Milwaukee County committee backs resolution urging state to raise purchase age to 21 for tobacco, vaping and some THC products

Supervisor Vincent introduced Resolution 25,358 and the intergovernmental relations committee recommended it for adoption following brief discussion and one e-comment of public support.

The resolution asks the Wisconsin Legislature to raise the state minimum purchase age to 21 for tobacco products, vapor products, marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids and drug paraphernalia. "This is about protecting young people in Milwaukee County and across Wisconsin from the well documented dangers of early substance use," Supervisor Vincent said, citing state survey data.

The nut graf: Supporters said raising the age to 21 aligns state law with federal policy and could reduce youth initiation and addiction. The item passed on a voice vote with five ayes and no dissent.

Supporters pointed to state data and enforcement concerns. Supervisor Vincent cited figures saying that in February 2023 "more than 16 percent of Wisconsin high school students reported using marijuana in the last 30 days" and that two-thirds of students said it is easy to access tobacco products. He also said that underage tobacco sales increased from 5.5 percent in 2019 to 13.6 percent in February 2023.

Supervisor Logsdon said vape shops in her district sometimes sell products to children and raised a wording concern about listing "marijuana" in the resolution because she noted marijuana is not legal in Wisconsin. Tyler Roberts, a resident referenced by Vincent, submitted an e-comment supporting the resolution and urging county action to bolster state lawmakers' willingness to act.

Supervisor Shea asked unanimous consent to be added as a co-sponsor; the committee granted it. After discussion the committee took a recorded voice vote. On the motion by Supervisor O'Connor to recommend adoption, Supervisors O'Connor, Taylor (District 5), Shea, Coggs Jones and Chairwoman Nicholson voted aye. The motion carried 5-0.

The resolution also expresses support for a governor's budget provision to regulate hemp-derived THC products such as Delta-8 and Delta-10, which supporters said are marketed and sold with limited oversight and are easily accessible to minors.

The committee recorded no amendments or conditions on advancing the resolution. The item will move forward to the next step in the Board's process for consideration.

Ending: The committee completed public comment and advanced the resolution without changes; county staff did not identify any county funding implications for the resolution itself.