California is now the second state to change its smoking age restriction from 18 years old to 21, according to the LA Times. Not only does this prohibit people under the age of 21 from buying tobacco products, but it also  restricts where people can smoke and the sale of electronic cigarettes. This change may alarm many citizens, but the age change is great for young Americans. It will help with the health problems of America in the future.

“[These laws] will save countless lives, reduce astronomical costs to the health care system, and cost very little because it uses existing enforcement mechanisms,” senator Ed Hernandez said in an interview with CNN.

The new law will help stop underage smoking. Many adult smokers start earlier than 18 when they are influenced with tobacco products, according to tobaccofreekids.org, and this new bill has been passed to help crackdown on underage smoking and eliminate it completely.

This victory not only helps this generation, but also helps the future generations to come who will not suffer the deadly impacts of tobacco products such as cigarettes. Many associations, such as the American Heart and Lung Association, all support the newly passed law.

Many argue that if 18 year olds are old enough to get drafted and fight for our country, they should be old enough to buy tobacco products. This argument has dated back to the Vietnam War, where 18 year old citizens were fighting for their voting rights. A stipulation was then added exempting military 18 years of age and older to be able to buy tobacco products. This is not a valid argument, many young Americans, even those in the army will suffer if they start smoking tobacco products at a young age.

This new law is a great contribution to the success of America in the future. Raising the minimum age to tobacco products is a huge step toward a healthier future.