The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now requires retailers to verify the photo ID of anyone under the age of 30 attempting to buy tobacco products. Why the Shift? It’s All About the Brain
You might wonder: If I can vote at 18, why can’t I buy a cigarette? Health experts point to several key reasons: age to buy cigarettes
: 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. It’s All About the Brain You might wonder:
While the U.S. has made 21 the national standard, other countries have their own unique approaches: Creating a smokefree generation and tackling youth vaping Raising the age to 21 creates a social
: 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