I started smoking cigarettes when I was 16 years old. I did it for the same reason lots of kids start - everyone else was doing it. And if I couldn't buy the smokes myself, I'd have someone else get them for me.

That's why I am not so sure legislation that advanced through the Illinois Senate will deter smoking as advocates hope it will.

According to a report in the Chicago Tribune, the Illinois Senate voted this week to approve a bill that would raise the age to buy cigarettes and vaping products from 18 to 21. The Illinois House would still have to approve the bill before it got sent to the governor's desk for signing into law.

Chicago already has a law on the books restricting the purchase of tobacco products to those age 21 and older.

Advocates of the raise in the age limit claim the law would stop younger people from taking up the habit. Critics say 18 years old are old enough to make their own choices.

What do you think - will raising the age to buy cigarettes or vaping products to 21 prevent young people from taking up the habit? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

 

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