On Tuesday, May 2, Edina became the first city in Minnesota to raise the tobacco sale age to 21. Now, a group of bipartisan legislators have introduced a policy to do the same thing on a statewide level!
"Raising the tobacco age will prevent young people from smoking and save money, as those young people grow up to live healthier lives," said Sen. Nelson, a longtime supporter of tobacco prevention measures. "Smoking costs Minnesota about $7 billion annually in excess health care costs and lost productivity from smoking. Tobacco 21 will address this problem where it starts."
A national consensus is growing to prevent addictions and future health problems by raising the sales age for tobacco products to 21. With over 225 municipalities (and two states!) the momentum of Tobacco 21 just continues to grow!
We’re excited about Tobacco 21 coming to Minnesota because it’s proven that the most effective way to prevent a lifetime of addiction to tobacco products is to stop people from ever starting. Research shows that increasing the tobacco age in Minnesota would prevent 30,000 kids from becoming smokers over the next 15 years.
This will be a huge step forward in reducing tobacco’s harm and creating a smoke-free generation in Minnesota. Let’s make sure to thank the senators that are helping us take that step!
Source: ClearWay MN