Close to 95% of smokers try their first cigarette before age 21 , making it vitally important to pass policies and provide funding for prevention and cessation programs to help stop tobacco use before it starts. The American Lung Association supports funding for federal, state and local programs that prevent kids and young adults from starting to use tobacco and increasing the tobacco sales age to 21.
Tobacco Prevention Program Funding
The American Lung Association strongly supports funding state tobacco prevention and cessation programs at levels recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sustained investment in these vital public health programs over the long term will prevent thousands of illnesses and deaths from tobacco use and save billions of dollars in medical expenses.
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Tobacco 21 Laws
The American Lung Association has advocated for increasing the age of sale for tobacco products from 18 to 21 because it will help save lives. In December 2019, legislation that increased the tobacco sales age to 21 nationwide was passed by both houses of Congress, and signed into law by President Trump on December 20, 2019 making it the law of the land.
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State Legislated Actions on Tobacco Issues
This resource tracks state tobacco control laws, such as restrictions on smoking in public places and workplaces and tobacco taxes, on an ongoing basis. It is the only comprehensive summary of tobacco control laws in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Page last updated: February 27, 2020
