California Proposes Increasing Minimum Smoking Age to 21 Years Old

California Proposes Increasing Minimum Smoking Age to 21 Years Old

California, a state known for its progressive policies, has been making headlines recently with a series of legislative changes. Here's a roundup of some key developments:

Marijuana and Employment

In a move that aligns California with six other states, a new state law prohibits employers from considering employees' marijuana use outside of work when making hiring or firing decisions. This law, which takes effect on January 1, 2018, does not require employers to accommodate marijuana use in the workplace [2].

Tobacco and E-cigarettes

California has taken steps to regulate tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), more stringently. The state Assembly has passed bills to raise the smoking age to 21 and regulate e-cigarettes as tobacco products [3]. This move is prompted by research data indicating that teen e-cigarette use surges as traditional smoking declines [4].

Interestingly, California is not alone in this effort. San Francisco and NYC have also raised the smoking age to 21. However, it's important to note that as of December 2019, the federal government has mandated a minimum tobacco purchase age of 21 nationwide, effectively applying to all states, including California and Hawaii, with no exemptions [1].

Drones and Privacy

California Governor Jerry Brown vetoed Senate Bill 142, a bill that aimed to ban drone flights within 350 feet above private property. Governor Brown did not provide an explicit reason for his veto [5]. The vetoed bill would have made drone trespassing illegal, as human trespassing is already illegal.

Workplace Smoking Ban Expansion

The expansion of the ban on workplace smoking includes warehouses, gambling clubs, motel lobbies, covered parking lots, and other public areas [6]. The increased tobacco-free campus law applies to all areas of charter schools and public school facilities and offices [7].

Tobacco Retailer Licensing Fee Increase

The California Assembly has also approved bills to increase the licensing fee for tobacco retailers, distributors, and wholesalers [8].

California, the sixth state to legalize recreational marijuana use, continues to lead the way in progressive legislation. As these new laws take effect, we'll be watching to see how they impact the state and its residents.

[1] - [5] Source: California Legislative Information [6] - [8] Source: California State Legislature

1. Science has played a significant role in the findings that prompted California's stricter regulations on tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes).
2. The new state law in California prohibits employers from considering employees' marijuana use outside of work when making decisions about work-related matters, such as hiring and firing.
3. The prohibition on considering employees' marijuana use in California does not require employers to accommodate marijuana use in the workplace, as it remains illegal under federal law.
4. California is one of seven states that have enacted such a law, showing a growing trend towards workplace wellness and medical-conditions consideration.
5. Research data suggests a correlation between the decline in traditional smoking and an increase in teen e-cigarette use, which has led California to regulate e-cigarettes more stringently.
6. San Francisco and NYC have followed California's lead in raising the smoking age to 21, but this national minimum age has now been mandated by the federal government as of December 2019.
7. California Governor Jerry Brown vetoed a bill that aimed to ban drone flights within 350 feet above private property, leaving the question of drone trespassing law unaddressed for now.
8. The expansion of the smoking ban in California now includes various public areas such as warehouses, gambling clubs, and motel lobbies.
9. The increased tobacco-free campus law in California applies to all areas of charter schools and public school facilities and offices.
10. California has approved bills to increase the licensing fee for tobacco retailers, distributors, and wholesalers.
11. California's stance on progressive legislation is apparent in its continued efforts to address chronic diseases, such as cancer and respiratory conditions, through health-and-wellness initiatives.
12. Our aging population, coupled with the rise of chronic diseases, has prompted a focus on nutritional management and fitness-and-exercise programs in California.
13. The focus on health-and-wellness initiatives extends to mental-health issues such as depression and anxiety, with increased access to therapies-and-treatments being made available.
14. Awareness surrounding sexual-health issues plays a crucial role in California's comprehensive health-and-wellness approach, ensuring equal attention is given to men's health and women's health.
15. Skin-care has emerged as a priority concern in California, with a growing focus on skin conditions and appropriate treatments.
16. Industry leaders in California are increasingly focusing on addressing autoimmune disorders and environmental-science as a means of strengthening the overall health of their workforce.
17. The impact of climate change on health-and-wellness has become a significant concern, with California's legislative efforts aimed at addressing the effects of respiratory conditions, digestive-health, and eye-health.
18. Hearing loss is another critical health concern that California is actively taking steps to address.
19. The manufacturing sector in California is undergoing transformative changes, with a focus on workplace safety, energy-efficiency, and sustainable practices.
20. California's pioneering approach to environmental-science also extends to promoting clean-energy solutions and combating pollution.
21. The state is investing in venture-capital, fintech, and digital-technology companies utilizing green energy and sustainable practices.
22. The retail sector in California has seen a shift towards more health-conscious products, from organic food options to eco-friendly clothing.
23. The increased focus on health-and-wellness has spurred entrepreneurial activities in areas like personal-finance management, weight-management, and skin-care.
24. With an aging population, California has been working to improve care for older adults dealing with cardiovascular-health issues and neurological-disorders such as Alzheimer's and dementia.
25. The state has also taken steps to improve overall healthcare access and cost-effective treatment options through measures like expanding Medicaid eligibility.
26. The future of California's healthcare system is closely tied to its efforts to address the health impacts of climate change and ensure access to affordable healthcare for all residents.
27. As California continues to pioneer progressive policies, the rest of the nation will be watching to see how these new laws and initiatives shape the state and its residents.

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