Addiction Treatment Programs
Safe, Effective, Customized Care
Get the Help You Need
We have beds available!
Texas recently enacted a law increasing the legal smoking age. Senate Bill 21 was signed into law June 7, 2019, prohibiting the sale of any tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to anyone under the age of 21.
Texas joins 14 other states in increasing the smoking age to 21. These types of laws are informally referred to as “Tobacco 21” laws. Other states that increased the age requirement for tobacco purchases include:
At least 470 cities and towns within the United States similarly enacted local laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to anyone under 21.
A report by a United States study group provides evidence that makes it difficult to argue against tobacco 21 laws:
Statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) demonstrated the urgency of measures to reduce smoking among young people:
The CDC data spotlights the dangerous role that e-cigarette use has among youth:
A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted evidence that the tobacco mega-industry specifically targets children and youth:
The WHO data, with statements taken directly from tobacco industry documents, provides a shocking, detailed view of the degree to which the tobacco industry continues to prey on America’s youth. The American Academy of Pediatrics concluded in a 2015 policy statement that tobacco dependence is a pediatric disease.
Tobacco 21 laws are not receiving any pushback from those they affect most: America’s youth. A 2017 survey of American youth demonstrated that 77.8% of American adolescents ages 13 to 17 across all regions of the United States — including those who smoke — support the increase in the legal smoking age.
Overall, the data demonstrates that the tobacco industry has blatantly preyed on American youth and continues to do so. The arrival of e-cigarettes has only worsened the impact of their efforts. Tobacco 21 laws are one way that state and municipal governments can provide long overdue protection to America’s vulnerable youth. These laws will have a lasting impact on the health and longevity of Americans throughout the lifespan.
American Academy of Pediatrics. “Clinical practice policy to protect children from tobacco, nicotine, and tobacco smoke.” AAP Policy Statement, November 2015. Accessed June 21, 2019.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Tobacco use by youth is rising: E-cigarettes are the main reason.” Vital Signs, February 2019. Accessed June 21, 2019.
Gaita, Paul. “Texas raises legal smoking age to 21.” The Fix, June 11, 2019. Accessed June 21, 2019.
Kowitt, Sarah; Schmidt, Allison; Myers, Allison; et al. “Should the legal age for tobacco be raised? Results from a national sample of adolescents.” Preventing Chronic Disease, November 16, 2017. Accessed June 21, 2019.
U.S. Committee on the Public Health Implications of Raising the Minimum Age for Purchasing Tobacco Products. “Public health implications of raising the minimum age of legal access to tobacco products.” July 23, 2015. Accessed June 21, 2019.
World Health Organization. “Tobacco explained: The truth about the tobacco industry… in its own words.” 2019. Accessed June 21, 2019.
The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
We can help answer your questions and talk through any concerns.