SPRINGFIELD – There's something very magical about age 21 when it comes to introducing harmful products to one's body in the state of Illinois.
This week in his first Illinois budget address, Governor Pritzker is expected to roll out an effort to legalize marijuana for anyone 21 years and older as one way to increase the state's revenue. At the same time, the Illinois legislature is expected to conaiswe banning tobacco products for anyone under age 21 – including e-cigarettes.
That's despite the fact 18 year olds can get credit cards, buy cars, vote and join the military.
HB 345 to ban tobacco purchases will be heard in an Illinois House committee Tuesday, February 19. The sponsors come from both sides of the aisle: Rep. Camille Y. Lilly - Tim Butler, Sonya M. Harper, Daniel Didech, Nicholas K. Smith, Robert Martwick, Will Guzzardi, Theresa Mah, Margo McDermed, Ann M. Williams, Monica Bristow, Marcus C. Evans, Jr., Sara Feigenholtz, Emanuel Chris Welch, Maurice A. West II, Anne Stava-Murray, Karina Villa, Elizabeth Hernandez, Justin Slaughter, Kelly M. Cassidy and Katie Stuart.
Already in Illinois, 30 localities restrict anyone under age 21 from buying tobacco:
1. Arlington Heights 2. Aurora 3. Barrington 4. Berwyn 5. Bolingbrook 6. Buffalo Grove 7. Chicago 8. Deerfield 9. Elgin 10. Elk Grove 11. Evanston 12. Glen Ellyn 13. Gurnee 14. Highland Park 15. Hopkins Park 16. Lake County2 17. Lake Zurich 18. Lincolnshire 19. Maywood 20. Mundelein 21. Naperville 22. Normal 23. Oak Park 24. Peoria 25. Riverwoods 26. Skokie 27. Vernon Hills 28. Washington 29. Wheaton and 30. Wilmette
So marijuana is going to be easier to access statewide while tobacco and e-cigarettes will be more difficult to obtain. And it's all about turning that magical age of 21.
