Wisconsin senators discussed the possibility of raising the legal age for buying tobacco from 18 to 21. While federal law already prohibits sales to anyone under 21, Wisconsin’s law has not caught up, causing confusion for retailers and law enforcement.
Health experts are voicing strong concerns about the impact of nicotine on youth. Ann Dodge, a nurse practitioner in cardiology, shared a troubling case of a teenager addicted to vaping. This girl was consuming four Juul pods a day, which is like smoking four packs of cigarettes. Dodge noted that the girl struggled to focus in school, likely due to the health effects of nicotine.
Dodge explained, “A lack of oxygen in the lungs can lead to similar issues in the heart. Over time, this can result in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which can be deadly.”
Nicole Hudzinski from the American Heart Association echoed these concerns. She emphasized that by raising the purchase age, access to tobacco products for younger teens would be reduced. “Wisconsin is one of only six states that haven’t raised the minimum age to 21. It’s time for us to take action,” she said.
Statistics show that nearly 90% of smokers try their first tobacco product by age 18. If individuals don’t start using tobacco by age 26, they’re less likely to begin at all. This highlights the importance of policies aimed at preventing young people from starting to smoke or vape.
As the conversation continues, it’s clear that lawmakers and health advocates are coming together to address this pressing issue. Increasing the minimum age for tobacco purchases could be a vital step in protecting the health of future generations.
For more insights on tobacco legislation, check out the American Heart Association’s resources here.
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