You might wonder: If I can vote at 18, why can’t I buy a cigarette? Health experts point to several key reasons:
In the United States, the federal minimum age to purchase tobacco products—including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes—was officially raised from 18 to on December 20, 2019. This policy, often called "Tobacco 21" or "T21," applies to all retail establishments with no exceptions , even for active-duty military personnel. age to buy cigarettes
: Research shows that if someone doesn't start smoking by age 21, the odds are 20-to-1 that they never will. A Global Perspective You might wonder: If I can vote at
: The human brain continues to develop until roughly age 25. Nicotine exposure during these formative years can cause long-term harm, increasing the risk of addiction and mood disorders. : Research shows that if someone doesn't start
: Most daily smokers start before they turn 18. In high school settings, 18-year-olds often act as the "legal" source for younger students. Raising the age to 21 creates a social buffer that makes it much harder for minors to access tobacco through friends.