(Photo By Flickr User Justin Masterson)

In case you missed it, a new Tobacco law was passed earlier this week and says that if you want to buy Tobacco products in Illinois, you must be at least 21 years old.

Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the bill signed earlier this year in April.

The American Heart Association says they support the law and officials say it keeps younger people from starting a habit that is tough to quit.

The total economic costs of smoking are more than $300 billion per year including nearly $170 billion in direct medical care for adults and $156 billion in lost productivity due to premature death and exposure
to second hand smoke, according to the American Heart Association.

Adams County Health Department officials say they eventually hope to see deaths decrease over time in Illinois.

“It’s really going to reduce our youth’s access to these products and that’s a pretty big deal considering tobacco is the leading cause of premature death in the United States, it’s the most preventable disease out there,” health Educator Katie McConnell said.

According to WGEM-TV, locals had mixed reactions about the change.

“You should have your right, if you wanna smoke when you’re 18, you should smoke when you’re 18, smoking should be your own decision” Cheryl Guthrie said.

“I like the law going up to 21 because social pressure, when I was younger at 13 started me smoking, quit 8 years ago and it’s been much healthier on me, I breathe better,” Pat Wheeler said.

(Information Courtesy Of WGEM-TV)