Cigarette smoking age in CA likely to be 21 (crimes, to buy)

[CarawayDJ]

Originally Posted by Darrett

Cigarette smoking -is- bad for your health. Pot smoking is also bad for your health.

If pot smoking were to be legalized, it would (should, at least) be subject to the same rules as cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption.

It does make a pretty decent case for a minimum voting age of 21 though; if people are considered to be unable to make decisions regarding their health until 21, doesn't it stand to reason that they shouldn't make decisions such as voting or military service until the same point?

Absolutely!

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by CarawayDJ

While I loathe smoking I have reservations about this. Just another way to get people in trouble. I was in the Army 2 weeks after turning 17 for God's sake. We send 18 year olds to far away lands to fight. If an 18 year old person can't make a decision about smoking (or drinking) then we should take away their right to vote and join the military. Heck, why should they even drive if they can't make those decisions? That's something they mock us Americans about over here in Europe. We let kids drive at 16 but they can't have a beer until 21 lol. Now cigarettes?

I appreciate the 'libertarian-esque' principle you express here. I, too, entered service at 17, and went to war at 18, at time when it was not legal for 18-year-olds to vote, drink, or even get married (most states) without parental permission. Ironic at best.

But there is something more essential at root in this case than mere maturity of decision-making. Driving vehicles, relaxing / socializing with a beer / alcoholic beverage, service to one's nation, voting political leadership, etc. all have practical and social value.

Tobacco use of any kind is not only absent of ANY value - it is clearly and absolutely, in every case, harmful and destructive, both to the prime user and to everyone around it. It is viciously toxic. Poison. Furthermore, peer use among the young tempts new recruits to the bad habit as there is a personality / image cult projecting independent spirit and rebelliousness associated with the stuff. The "rugged individual", the Marlboro Man. That sort of bullcrap.

It should be a banned substance.

[blueskywalker]

Anything that lessens the chances that young people will start smoking cigarettes is a good thing imo. I could care less if it's a result of a "nanny state".

[Majami]

Originally Posted by blueskywalker

Anything that lessens the chances that young people will start smoking cigarettes is a good thing imo. I could care less if it's a result of a "nanny state".

I'm in favor of human responsibility and a non-nanny state. I mean is it good for young people to be punished for smoking? So now they have citations and possible jail time? How is that good for young people.

[Red Chili]

Originally Posted by Darrett

Cigarette smoking -is- bad for your health. Pot smoking is also bad for your health.

If pot smoking were to be legalized, it would (should, at least) be subject to the same rules as cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption.

It does make a pretty decent case for a minimum voting age of 21 though; if people are considered to be unable to make decisions regarding their health until 21, doesn't it stand to reason that they shouldn't make decisions such as voting or military service until the same point?

I agree. If they are going to do this then maybe the government should not allow people to join the military until they are 21.

[blueskywalker]

Originally Posted by Majami

I'm in favor of human responsibility and a non-nanny state. I mean is it good for young people to be punished for smoking? So now they have citations and possible jail time? How is that good for young people.

Citations? Jail time. I didn't know that.
What's good for young people is that they not start smoking. That's all i know. And i do know that for sure.

[Bulldogdad]

Yea! Nanny State Jerk Offs and their supporters.

Signed: Ex-smoker.

[DCMann2]

Brown isn't 100 years old lol

[blueskywalker]

Originally Posted by Bulldogdad

Yea! Nanny State Jerk Offs and their supporters.

Signed: Ex-smoker.

Yes, me too. Ex-smoker.
And i started when i was in my teens and i wish that i never did.
Although i must admit, given that i've always been an "outlaw", no law would have stopped me and my friends from doing whatever we wanted to do.
But i see young kids smoking and i feel bad for them because i know that many of them will struggle with the addiction for a long time .... maybe for their entire life and many will greatly compromise their health.
My advice to kids who are going to smoke:
Smoke all you want but make a commitment that by age _______ (before 30 at the latest though) you'll quit.

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by blueskywalker

Yes, me too. Ex-smoker.
And i started when i was in my teens and i wish that i never did.
Although i must admit, given that i've always been an "outlaw", no law would have stopped me and my friends from doing whatever we wanted to do.
But i see young kids smoking and i feel bad for them because i know that many of them will struggle with the addiction for a long time .... maybe for their entire life and many will greatly compromise their health.
My advice to kids who are going to smoke:
Smoke all you want but make a commitment that by age _______ (before 30 at the latest though) you'll quit.

Keep in mind that many who smoke come down with serious health issues and ........ their medical costs go up and that means everyone's costs go up to pay for it. Maybe if you smoke you pay for your medical associated with it and no one else does. Ditto drug and alcohol use medical issues. You play, you pay.