Howdy Partner, You Want to Light Up in Texas? Hold Your Horses...Unless You're Practically a Senior Citizen
So you've moseyed on down to the great state of Texas, land of wide-open spaces, ten-gallon hats, and...well, maybe not ten-gallon smoking anymore. If you're hankering for a smoke, there's a little age-related hoop you gotta jump through first, partner.
The Wild West of Yesterday: 18 and Smokin'!
Back in the good ol' days (or should we say not-so-good-ol' days for your lungs?), you could practically light up a cigarette with your spurs on if you were 18 in Texas. Those were simpler times, when folks worried more about cattle rustlers than secondhand smoke. But fear not, history buffs, this legal lasso was tightened a few years back.
The New Sheriff in Town: 21 to Puff in Peace
Yup, you heard that right, saddle sores. Since September 1st, 2019, you gotta be at least 21 years old to legally buy, possess, or use tobacco products in Texas. That includes cigarettes, chewing tobacco, the whole shebang (or should we say chaw-bang?). This applies to cowboys, cowgirls, and even those fancy folks in chaps.
But Wait! There's a Posse of Exceptions!
Now hold on there, buckaroo. Before you start feeling all dusty and defeated, there are a couple of exceptions to this 21-and-over rule:
- Born Before the Gold Rush (Well, Almost): If you were born before August 31st, 2001, then congratulations, you just dodged a bullet (or a cigarette, you see where we're going with this?). The law applies to those who came into the world after that date.
- Military Mavericks: If you're rocking that spiffy military uniform and are at least 18 years old, then you're exempt from this particular state law (federal laws may apply though, so best to check with your sergeant).
There you have it, folks! Now you know the lowdown on smoking in Texas. Remember, smoking is a habit best left to tumbleweeds and dusty trails. But hey, if you're of legal age and that's your vice, well, we won't judge (much). Just don't blow smoke in our armadillo ears!
