SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS)— New York residents between the ages of 18 and 20 will no longer be allowed to buy tobacco or vape products.
Governor Cuomo signed a new law back in July raising the smoking age from 18 to 21 statewide. The new law went into effect Wednesday.
Louise Rath, a Syracuse University freshman, said when her friends turned 18 they immediately bought tobacco products to celebrate, but now her younger friends will not be able to carry on what she calls a tradition
“They were all excited about being legally able to buy juul pods and things like that but now they’re going to have to start using fake ids or even paying people who are of age to buy stuff to get it for them,” Lousie said.
Ryan Dowd, a sophomore at Syracuse University, said illegal buying could also take place on the black market.
“There might be even more toxic chemicals in the new pods or cigarettes or whatever. And that would be really detrimental,” Dowd said.
Exscape Smoke Shop on Marshall Street said it has had a 21 and up policy already in effect, so the new law should not impact business. An Exscape employee who asked not to be named said the law could be an issue for other shops in the state.
