Raising the Tobacco Age: A Step Towards a Healthier Minnesota

The Problem of Youth Tobacco Use

Tobacco use among young people is a major public health concern in Minnesota. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 20% of high school students in the state currently smoke cigarettes. This alarming statistic reflects a disturbing trend: tobacco use is increasing among youth, putting them at risk for a lifetime of addiction and health problems.

The Ineffectiveness of the Current Age Limit

The current tobacco age limit in Minnesota is 18 years old. However, this age limit has proven to be ineffective in deterring youth tobacco use. Studies have shown that most young people who start smoking do so before the age of 18. By raising the tobacco age to 21, Minnesota can address this problem by making it more difficult for young people to obtain tobacco products.

Raising the Age: A Proven Solution

Evidence from other states shows that raising the tobacco age to 21 is an effective way to reduce youth tobacco use. For example, a study in California found that raising the tobacco age to 21 led to a 17% decrease in youth smoking rates.

The Benefits of Raising the Tobacco Age

Raising the tobacco age to 21 would have numerous benefits for Minnesota, including:

• Reduced youth smoking rates: Raising the age limit would make it more difficult for young people to obtain tobacco products, leading to a reduction in youth smoking rates.
• Improved overall health: Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Raising the tobacco age would help to improve the overall health of Minnesotans by reducing smoking-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
• Reduced healthcare costs: Smoking-related illnesses impose a significant burden on the healthcare system. Raising the tobacco age would help to reduce healthcare costs by reducing the number of smoking-related illnesses.

Objections and Rebuttals

Some people argue that raising the tobacco age to 21 would infringe on the rights of adults. However, it is important to remember that the sale of tobacco products to minors is already illegal. Raising the age limit would simply extend this prohibition to young adults who are still highly vulnerable to the harmful effects of tobacco.

Others argue that raising the age limit would simply lead to an increase in underage tobacco sales. However, studies have shown that this is not the case. In fact, raising the tobacco age has been shown to reduce overall tobacco sales, both to minors and adults.

Conclusion

Raising the tobacco age to 21 is a common-sense measure that would have a significant impact on the health of Minnesota. By making it more difficult for young people to obtain tobacco products, we can help to reduce youth smoking rates, improve overall health, and reduce healthcare costs. It is time for Minnesota to join the growing number of states that have raised the tobacco age to 21.

Stories

Story 1:

A young woman named Sarah was caught smoking a cigarette in school. When the principal asked her where she got it, she replied, "I bought it from a guy who was selling them in the park." The principal was surprised to learn that the seller was only 15 years old.

Lesson: Even if the tobacco age limit is 18, young people can still easily obtain tobacco products from older friends or acquaintances.

Story 2:

A high school student named John was offered a cigarette by a classmate. He declined, saying, "I'm not allowed to smoke until I'm 18." The classmate laughed and said, "That's a dumb rule. I've been smoking for years." John stood his ground and refused to smoke.

Lesson: Raising the tobacco age to 21 would send a clear message to young people that tobacco use is unacceptable.

Story 3:

A group of college students were hanging out in a dorm room. One of them produced a pack of cigarettes and offered them to the others. Everyone declined, saying, "We're all over 21 now. We're not allowed to smoke anymore."

Lesson: Raising the tobacco age to 21 would create a social norm against tobacco use among young adults.

Tables

Table 1: Smoking Rates by Age Group in Minnesota

Source: Minnesota Department of Health

Table 2: Impact of Raising the Tobacco Age to 21 on Youth Smoking Rates

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Table 3: Economic Costs of Smoking in Minnesota

Source: Minnesota Department of Health

Tips and Tricks

• Talk to your children about tobacco use: Talk to your children about the dangers of tobacco use and encourage them to avoid smoking.
• Get involved in your community: Support organizations that are working to reduce youth tobacco use.
• Contact your legislators: Let your state legislators know that you support raising the tobacco age to 21.

How to Step-by-Step

How to Raise the Tobacco Age to 21 in Minnesota

1. Introduce a bill in the Minnesota Legislature: A bill to raise the tobacco age to 21 must be introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives or Senate.
2. Hold public hearings: Public hearings will be held to gather input from the public on the proposed bill.
3. Vote on the bill: The bill will be voted on by the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate.
4. Sign the bill into law: If the bill passes both the House and Senate, it will be sent to the Governor to be signed into law.

List Advanced Features

Advanced Features of Raising the Tobacco Age to 21

• Reduced smoking rates: Raising the tobacco age to 21 would lead to a significant reduction in youth smoking rates.
• Improved public health: Raising the tobacco age to 21 would improve the overall health of Minnesotans by reducing smoking-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
• Reduced healthcare costs: Raising the tobacco age to 21 would help to reduce healthcare costs by reducing the number of smoking-related illnesses.

Talk about Potential Drawbacks

Potential Drawbacks of Raising the Tobacco Age to 21

• Some adults may argue that it infringes on their rights: Some adults may argue that raising the tobacco age to 21 infringes on their rights to use tobacco products.
• It may lead to an increase in underage tobacco sales: Some people argue that raising the tobacco age to 21 would lead to an increase in underage tobacco sales. However, studies have shown that this is not the case.
• It may create a black market for tobacco products: Some people argue that raising the tobacco age to 21 would create a black market for tobacco products. However, studies have shown that this is not the case.

Compare Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons of Raising the Tobacco Age to 21

Call to Action

Take Action to Raise the Tobacco Age to 21 in Minnesota

Contact your state legislators and let them know that you support raising the tobacco age to 21. You can also get involved in organizations that are working to reduce youth tobacco use. By working together, we can create a healthier future for Minnesota.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Youth and Tobacco Use

  https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/youth_data/index.htm

• Minnesota Department of Health: Tobacco Prevention and Control

  https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/tobacco