Minnesota lawmakers came together on March 8, 2018, to discuss raising the statewide age for purchasing tobacco from 18 to 21 years old. Since then, five cities in Minnesota, including Plymouth, St. Louis Park, Edina, Bloomington, and North Mankato have increased the age on tobacco sales, according to StarTribune. The bill is most recently known by the name of ‘Tobacco 21.’

Some lawmakers argue that raising the age would potentially lower health care costs and steer people away from smoking. Tobacco use among teens has dropped rapidly but the use of E-cigarettes has made a major increase over the past couple years. Although the age to purchase tobacco products would raise to 21, adults younger than that wouldn’t be penalized for smoking, only purchasing tobacco products.

The Institute of Medicine report noted that there would possibly be a twenty-five percent drop in smoking among teenagers. Almost all tobacco users start when they’re under the age of 21.

Increasing the age would also help to prevent tobacco use in high school environments. The Minnesota Department of Health supports the statewide efforts to raise the sales of tobacco to 21.