Most Americans Want Minimum Tobacco Buying Age Raised

Most Americans would like to see the legal age to buy tobacco products raised. According to a Gallup Poll, conducted July 1 to July 12, 2019, most Americans favored raising the legal age to 21. 66 percent of people aged 18 to 29 supported the increase. In the 30 to 49-year-old age bracket, support was 73 percent. It fell slightly among Americans in the 50 to 64-year-old age bracket while those over 65 had the highest favorability.

Under federal law, the minimum smoking age is 18 years old. However, there are 18 states that mandate consumers must be 21 years old to purchase tobacco products.