According to the FDA, “On December 20, 2019, the President signed legislation to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, raising the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products to 21 years. It is now illegal for retailers to sell any tobacco item—including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes—to individuals under 21.” The initiative was part of a larger $1.4 trillion bipartisan package that was introduced earlier in the year by Senate leaders.
Several states, including California and New York, had already implemented similar regulations, but this new federal law standardizes the age restriction nationwide. President Trump highlighted the necessity of this measure, stating, “We have to take care of our kids, most importantly, so we’re going to have an age limit of 21 or so.” This sentiment reflects ongoing concerns over the health risks associated with vaping, which, as reported by the CDC, has led to over 450 cases of lung-related illnesses and at least 39 deaths in 2019 alone.
The Vapor Technology Association has expressed support for the new age restrictions, believing it is a crucial step towards minimizing youth access to tobacco products. “We applaud congressional efforts to prohibit the sale of tobacco products to anyone under 21,” said Tony Abbot, executive director of the association.
Critics have pointed out the inconsistency of allowing individuals to enlist in the military or purchase firearms at 18 while restricting tobacco sales until 21. However, a report from the National Academy of Medicine suggested that increasing the tobacco purchase age to 21 could prevent an estimated 223,000 premature deaths among those born between 2000 and 2019, including a projected reduction of 50,000 lung cancer deaths.
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In summary, the new law raising the legal age for tobacco purchases to 21 aims to protect the health of young individuals by reducing their access to tobacco products. This legislative change, supported by health organizations and public sentiment, is a pivotal step in addressing the youth vaping crisis and promoting better health outcomes.
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