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Recent research has raised questions about the effectiveness of Tobacco 21 (T21) laws, which aim to restrict young adults from purchasing tobacco products. While survey data suggests a decline in smoking among individuals aged 18 to 20, biological evidence tells a different story—many young adults continue to use tobacco despite the legal age restrictions.
Contradictory Findings in Tobacco Use
A groundbreaking study led by Wake Forest University economist Erik Nesson, published in the Journal of Health Economics, suggests that self-reported survey data may not accurately reflect actual tobacco consumption. The study analyzed data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco Use and Health (PATH), an ongoing study that tracks thousands of participants.
While the self-reported data indicated a decline in smoking and vaping following the enactment of state T21 laws between 2016 and 2019, biomarker testing revealed that tobacco and nicotine exposure among 18- to 20-year-olds had not significantly changed. This suggests that many young adults may be underreporting their tobacco use, potentially due to the legal consequences of admitting to smoking underage.
Implications for Public Health Policies
The findings arrive amid continued concerns about tobacco use in the U.S. A recent Surgeon General report highlighted that over 36 million U.S. adults and 760,000 middle and high school students use some form of tobacco. The national T21 law, implemented in response to the rise in e-cigarette use among young people, was preceded by several state-level bans, with Hawaii pioneering the policy in 2016.
Nesson and his research team—including Chad Cotti of Michigan State University and Phillip DeCicca of Ball State University—emphasized that policymakers must consider the unintended effects of tobacco restrictions.
Unintended Consequences of T21 Laws
One significant concern is that while T21 laws may curb vaping among young users, they may also push them toward traditional cigarette smoking. Nesson’s ongoing research suggests that bans on flavored vape cartridges have led some young adults to switch to combustible cigarettes instead.
Additionally, another study in progress indicates that flavored tobacco bans have had little to no impact on vaping habits among LGBTQ youth, who continue to use e-cigarettes at the same rate despite the restrictions.
The Need for Further Study
Given the discrepancies between self-reported smoking data and biomarker findings, researchers caution against overestimating the success of T21 policies. More comprehensive studies are needed to assess the true impact of these laws on young adult smoking behaviors and to refine public health strategies accordingly.
Conclusion
While the intent behind T21 laws is clear—to prevent nicotine addiction among young people—this research underscores the complexity of regulating tobacco use. If underage smokers are finding alternative ways to access tobacco, policymakers may need to revisit their approach to youth smoking prevention.
Disclaimer: This article is based on peer-reviewed research published in the Journal of Health Economics and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Readers are encouraged to consult relevant authorities for further information on tobacco policies and their implications.
