95% of adult smokers started before they were 21. A January technical report by the American Academy of Pediatrics explains why. Nicotine is an extremely addictive substance. The earlier in childhood a person starts, the stronger the addiction, and children have more trouble quitting.
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This is because the rapidly developing brains of children and adolescents are particularly susceptible to nicotine addiction.
This only bolsters support for our effort to raise the minimum legal sales age for tobacco to 21. If we prevent kids from having easy access to tobacco products – cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars – we can prevent a lifetime of addiction.
And there is cause for concern. Right now, 25% of Vermont youth use some form of tobacco. But Tobacco 21 legislation is an effective tool we can use to cut off social sources of tobacco for kids. Most teens don’t know anyone 21 or older who will buy them cigarettes or let them bum one.
Click here to urge your senators to cosponsor tobacco 21 legislation and protect Vermont kids!
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