Plan To Raise Age To Buy Tobacco To 21 In Denver Moves Ahead

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DENVER (CBS4) -- A proposal to raise the age to buy tobacco -- including e-cigarettes -- from 18 to 21 is moving forward in Denver. The bill is part of an effort to reduce teen vaping.

Julia Boyle enjoys an electronic cigarette as she waits for customers at the Vapor Shark store on April 24, 2014 in Miami, Florida. (Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Colorado has the highest rates of children and teens vaping in the nation and state health workers are investigating six cases of sudden and severe lung illness associated with vaping.

The Denver City Council voted Monday night to consider the bill during next week's meeting. Aspen, Avon, Basalt, Boulder, Carbondale, Edgewater, Glenwood Springs and Snowmass have all raised the purchasing age to 21.