“As a family physician and a parent, I’m grateful for the important step taken today by the Commonwealth to raise
the age requirement for legal purchase of tobacco and e-cigarettes to
21. I’m proud that the advocacy efforts put forth by the Massachusetts
Medical Society and our partners from Tobacco Free Mass. have
contributed to this important win for public health in the Commonwealth.
“The
25,000 physicians and medical students that comprise the Massachusetts
Medical Society commend Governor Baker and our Legislature for
their consideration of public health in reaching a decision to improve
the quality of life and, quite likely, save lives of children in our
state.
“By
taking steps to restrict access to products we know cause disease and
premature death, the Commonwealth acted to protect our children
and significantly decreased the chances that their health will one day
be compromised by the harmful effects of tobacco use.
“Many
of my patients regret their decisions to start smoking at an early age
because the cessation process can be incredibly difficult. This law will
lessen the likelihood that children will begin a habit that we
know will increase their odds of developing serious and life-threatening
health issues.”
