Why a 'smoking age' of 21 is a bad idea

[Marc411]

Interesting take on what California is trying to do with upping the age for smokers

Why a 'smoking age' of 21 is a bad idea

California tramples on smokers' rights

California tramples on smokers' rights

 

[SteveS45]

When I was a smoker I was upset by legislation concerning smoking like this but not any longer. I still do not like any rights, freedoms or liberties of people being restricted or removed.

 

[edyle]

It's either adult or not adult.

 

[SteveS45]

It's either adult or not adult.

So what do you consider the age of an Adult? That is a debatable point or age in many countries and cultures for sure. When they raised the age in my state/country I knew many young adults who were annoyed and being a smoker at the time I had to agree with them.

 

[roxynoodle]

I've always thought it was hypocritical that at age 18 you can be sent off to war, get married and vote, but not drink (or now smoke in California).

 

[Marc411]

I've always thought it was hypocritical that at age 18 you can be sent off to war, get married and vote, but not drink (or now smoke in California).

Agreed Roxy! If you can carry a gun and die for your country you are an adult!

 

[SteveS45]

I've always thought it was hypocritical that at age 18 you can be sent off to war, get married and vote, but not drink (or now smoke in California).

Agreed!

 

[edyle]

So what do you consider the age of an Adult? That is a debatable point or age in many countries and cultures for sure. When they raised the age in my state/country I knew many young adults who were annoyed and being a smoker at the time I had to agree with them.

The issue is not what age is adult.
The issue is consistency.
You can't be an adult for some serious things, and yet not adult for lesser things.

Its like saying you can have sex at 18 but no kissing until you're 21.

 

[roxynoodle]

I thought so when I was 18, and I still do 30 years later as a grumpy, middleaged woman.

 

[SteveS45]

It's either adult or not adult.

I was asking you to elaborate on what you meant by this statement. No offense intended just curious what you meant by this statement.

 

[Light Seeker]

I'll be celebrating my 60th shortly. I'm not too sure I'm an adult.
My wife is sure I'm not.

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[SteveS45]

I'll be celebrating my 60th shortly. I'm not too sure I'm an adult.
My wife is sure I'm not.

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Maybe your just young at heart?

 

[Light Seeker]

Maybe your just young at heart?

Not sure. But definitely considered the definition of 'should have known better'

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[Light Seeker]

I'm with Roxy. Although I hate to see anyone buying smokes, particularly young, defining 21 as the line in the sand while allowing drivers license, voting, marriage, paying taxes & loans, & serving in our military is nothing more than hypocritical nanny do-gooders.

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[bobwho77]

What does the law do with the young men and women who are already over 18, but still under 21 when the law goes into effect? They were already smoking legally (some for as long as 2 years)
Are they "Grandfathered" into "adult" status under the old laws? Are they going to be forced to quit smoking, or be subject to arrest, and fines?

 

[TheMike21]

You guys should have a general adult age like down here, 18 to vote, drink, smoke, get married and go to jail

 

[SteveS45]

Well here they have what they call Tried As An Adult for youthful offenders. Normally reserved for serious crimes but that up to the courts and the jurisdictions.

 

[edyle]

I was asking you to elaborate on what you meant by this statement. No offense intended just curious what you meant by this statement.

I mean you can't have an adult age at 18, and also have a smoking age at 21; it would mean that at 18 you are still not an adult.

 

[edyle]

Well here they have what they call Tried As An Adult for youthful offenders. Normally reserved for serious crimes but that up to the courts and the jurisdictions.

That itself is a contradiction.
The problem there sometimes is the juvenile courts were not designed for serious crimes.

 

[SteveS45]

I mean you can't have an adult age at 18, and also have a smoking age at 21; it would mean that at 18 you are still not an adult.

Or an adult who is prohibited from smoking and drinking..............