I. Introduction
Smoking is a topic that has sparked controversy for decades, and one of the issues that has caused debate is whether or not young adults may purchase cigarettes. The legal age to buy cigarettes has fluctuated throughout the years from 16, 18 to 21 years of age. There is no doubt that smoking is a health hazard, but some argue that altering the age at which people can legally buy cigarettes represents a violation of their rights. This article will explore can you buy cigarettes at 18 and explore the arguments for and against raising the legal minimum age to purchase tobacco products.
II. Exploring the Legal Age to Buy Cigarettes: Why You Must Be 21 Now
In 2019, the United States raised the legal age to buy cigarettes to 21. This law prohibits anyone under the age of 21 from buying tobacco products such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and cigars. Previously, many states allowed 18-year olds to purchase cigarettes. Several health-related organizations such as the American Heart Association, the American Medical Association, and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids were instrumental in this change.
The 2015 National Institutes of Health report found that raising the minimum age to 21, could, in the immediate future, reduce smoking rates by 12%. The report also noted that this would decrease the number of early deaths, the number of lung cancer cases, and prevent thousands of young people from trying tobacco. Since this change, about 19 states have enacted laws requiring buyers to be 21 before purchasing cigarettes.
III. The Debate Surrounding the Legalization of Purchasing Cigarettes at 18
Despite the attempt by different health-related organizations to raise the minimum age, some still push for a reduction in the age limit. Advocates for lowering the age limit contend that if a person is considered an adult, they must be able to make their decisions on smoking. They also point out that if people aged 18 years old can vote and serve in the military, then they should also be able to buy cigarettes.
In contrast, opponents of this idea argue that raising the minimum age to 21 inhibits the tobacco industry’s ability to market to young people. They highlight how the industry employs different tactics such as colorful packaging, fruity flavors, and advertisement targeted at teenagers and young adults to keep them hooked on smoking. They also point out that age cutoff limits help deter those who are not yet physically or mentally mature enough from cigarettes’ negative impact.
IV. Why Raising the Minimum Age to Buy Cigarettes Can Save Lives
Several studies conducted over the years have demonstrated, beyond a doubt, that smoking is associated with several diseases. Research has shown that smoking can cause heart disease, lung cancer, and increase the likelihood of stroke. Nicotine in cigarettes is highly addictive and remains one of the most significant public health concerns. Furthermore, starting to smoke at a young age increases an individual’s chances of developing a long-term addiction.
Prohibiting 18-year olds from smoking would prevent them from picking up the smoking habit, therefore, reducing the risk of addiction in the long run. The brain does not fully develop until age 25, and studies have shown that preventing young people from smoking can decrease the risk of them becoming regular smokers in the future.
V. Are 18 Year Olds Being Denied Their Rights to Purchase Cigarettes? An Analysis
The argument is often presented that raising the minimum age of purchasing cigarettes to 21 is a violation of individual rights. Some people feel that if they are legally allowed to vote and serve in the military, they should have the right to purchase tobacco products as well. That said, there are differing voices in this debate.
One of the most vocal supporters of raising the minimum age to buy cigarettes has been the health-care industry. Instead of people’s rights, this side focuses on the public health standpoint. In the view of healthcare pros, raising the age limit would help prevent chronic diseases and smoking-related deaths, expenses that American taxpayers ultimately must foot the bill for.
Proponents of the age raise argument that purchasing cigarettes put others at risk. Secondhand smoke can be harmful to others, especially young children with underdeveloped immune systems, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
VI. Understanding the Risks of Smoking and How Raising the Age to 21 Can Help
Smoking causes health problems, and this is not news; it is, however, vital to understand the risks one is taking by smoking. Statistics have shown that several disease conditions have been linked to smoking, including cancer, depression, and nervousness.
While a smoker may understand the risks, not all are aware of the increased risks that cigarettes pose to younger adults. Because smoking is a crucial step in initiating drug use, it contributes significantly to young people’s addictions. Studies have also shown that individuals who initiate smoking before age 18 are more likely to develop a long-term habit.
Delaying access to cigarettes can reduce the number of teenagers and young adults taking up the habit and, consequently, the chances of developing these diseases. Furthermore, for people who are already smoking cigarettes, the legal age raise provides an extra reminder of the need to quit.
VII. Conclusion
To conclude, can you buy cigarettes at 18? The answer is: it depends on the state you live in. However, the issue of whether cigarettes should be made available to 18-year olds remains a point of contention. While some people claim that such laws violate individual rights, health experts argue that increasing the legal age would have a more significant impact on public health by reducing smoking rates and related diseases. This article explored both perspectives in discussing the issue of whether or not 18-year olds should be allowed to purchase cigarettes.
In the end, it is all about finding a balance between individual freedom and public health concerns. While advocates for raising the age argue that public health should take precedence over individual rights, opponents of such laws contend that such laws could infringe on individual rights. Nevertheless, the data on smoking and smoking-related health concerns is clear: there is a significant health benefit to reducing smoking rates among young adults. Raising the legal minimum age for tobacco product purchases to 21 may be an opportunity to save lives and reduce health-care costs in the long run.
