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Raising the minimum state sales age for tobacco products to 21

October 26, 2018

ACS CAN Position on raising the minimum state sales age for tobacco products to 21

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) supports raising the minimum age for sale
of all tobacco products to age 21 with strong retailer compliance and active enforcement as part of its
comprehensive strategy to reduce youth initiation. 

Why is it important to raise the age to 21?

  • In Maryland, 1,900 kids under 18 become addicted people who smoke every year. And one-third of them will die prematurely as a result.
  • About 95 percent of adults who smoke began smoking before age 21. The ages of 18 to 21 are a critical time when many people who smoke move from experimental smoking to regular, daily use.
  • According to the Institute of Medicine, raising the national sale age of tobacco products to 21 could help reduce the prevalence of smoking by 12%, saving lives and dollars.  
  • Nicotine is addictive, and youth and young adults are more susceptible to its effects because their brains are still developing.

Would you like to get involved with this issue?  Contact [email protected]

#UptheAgeMD

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