A member of the house of representatives of Hawaii Richard Crigan wants his state the first in the United States completely banned the sale of cigarettes.
«I think that our laws against selling cigarettes is far from perfect, said the Democrat Crigan, representing the island’s South Kona / Ka’u. — Minimum age to buy cigarettes at us — 21, but it does not solve the problem. We have a group of people who are enslaved by the tobacco industry. Industry, which produces cigarettes knowing that they are deadly.»
The bill Crihana HB 1509 aims to gradually stop the sale of cigarettes, raising the age limit for their purchase up to 30 years in 2020, up to 40 years in 2021-m, up to 50 years in 2022, and 60 in 2023 and to 100 years in 2024-m.
The bill does not apply to electronic Smoking device or cigars, which, according to Crihana, medical education, are more secure alternatives. Chewing tobacco also does not propose to ban.
«The state is required to protect public health,» said Crigan. The Congressman himself, when he worked as a doctor, I smoked to stay awake during long shifts, and as a teenager worked part time, collecting tobacco.
«We don’t allow people free access, such as opioids or other medications for prescription. It’s the same, if not worse; it causes a strong dependence. We as legislators must do something to save lives,» said the legislator.
However, Richard Crigan supports the legalization of marijuanabecause, in his words, it is not so dangerous health as cigarettes.
It is expected that this week the bill will be considered by the health Committee in the House of representatives of the state.
