On Friday, Hawaii Governor David Ige signed a bill to raise the smoking age to 21 effective in 2016. This would keep those under 21 from buying or possessing traditional and electronic cigarettes. Hawaii is the first state in the nation to raise the age limit with others looking to follow their lead. 

A huge increase in e-cigarette smoking among young people aged 18-24 has led to this law change. In Hawaii, 86 percent of adult smokers began smoking before age 21, according to the governor's office. Those who support the law change think this will make a great impact on young people smoking due to the accessibility factor. Take away the option to buy and the desire will diminish as well is the general idea.

Those in opposition claim it is unfair someone can fight and die for our country, but cannot buy tobacco products. At age 18 you are a legally emancipated adult according to the constitution, and to restrict what young adults can do or not do seems unfair to some.

One of the largest smoking demographics in Maine are those young adults 18-24-years-old. Even with one of the best anti-smoking campaigns in the country the numbers haven't seemed to change much in the past few years.

According to the CDC more than 3,200 people younger than 18 years of age smoke their first cigarette each day.

Do you think this is the best approach or a necessary one? Should Maine follow along?

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