By Scott Carlson-NP Post
Without a doubt, one of the biggest topics of debate right now is the legal smoking age.
President Trump announced an amendment to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, raising the federal minimum age to use and purchase tobacco products to 21.
Furthermore, the FDA announced that it was now unlawful for any retailer to sell tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to anyone under the age of 21.
But, Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson says not-so-fast.
In a recent statement, Peterson told Nebraska retailers to follow state law which, as of this year, requires individuals to be 19 to purchase, possess or use tobacco products.
Peterson issued the following statement on his website:
"In light of recent media reports and federal action regarding what some may know as the federal "Tobacco 21 Act" (H.R. 1865, amending 21 U.S.C. § 387f, the Nebraska Attorney's General Office is issuing this clarifying statement.
As of January 1, 2020, Nebraska law (Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 28-1418 et seq.) provides that the legal minimum age for use or purchase of tobacco products (including cigarettes, electronic nicotine delivery systems, and other tobacco products) will become 19 years of age.
As a result, the Nebraska Attorney's General Office is advising Nebraska law enforcement and pertinent state agencies that enforcement shall be limited to enforcement of the state law unless the Nebraska Legislature changes the minimum age from 19 to 21 as suggested by the federal "Tobacco 21 Act."