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Proposed bills would raise Michigan's legal smoking age to 21, tax vaping products

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Michigan is looking to align with a federal policy that would prohibit anyone under the age of 21 from buying tobacco products.

The bipartisan package of bills is aimed at tackling the vaping crisis in the state.

The bills look to tax vaping products by 24% and require vape retailers to be licensed annually. Right now, the tax on cigarettes in Michigan is $2 a pack, along with a 6% sales tax.

Michigan is among 39 states that are part of an investigation of claims Juul Labs targeted minors and made misleading claims about nicotine content in its devices.

State officials said they also will investigate the company's claims about the risk, safety and effectiveness of its vaping products as smoking cessation devices.

Juul is also facing lawsuits by teenagers and other who say they became addicted to the company's vaping products.