Howdy Partner, You Look Younger Than a Roadrunner! (But Are You Old Enough to Smoke in Texas?)
So you moseyed on in here wonderin' 'bout the smokin' age in the great state of Texas, huh? Well, saddle up 'cause we're about to take a little trip through the dusty trails of Texas tobacco law.
From Six-Shooters to Cigarettes: A Historical Puff
Back in the ol' days (we're talkin' pre-1989), smokin' was about as common as tumbleweeds. You could practically buy a pack of cigarettes with a bag of candy and a slingshot (don't try that at home, folks!). But then, times changed faster than a jackrabbit on a hot tin roof. In 1989, Texas law decided you had to be at least 18 years old to light up like a firefly festival.
Hold Your Horses! Age Ain't Everything (Except Maybe in Texas)
Now hold on there, partner! Don't go celebratin' just yet with a victory cigar (unless you were born before August 31st, 2001, that is). In 2019, Texas decided to up the smokin' age to a cool 21. Yep, that means you gotta be older than a mustang to legally puff away in the Lone Star State.
Why the Change, You Ask? Well, it seems Texas took a dislikin' to teenagers lightin' up like a Christmas tree. They figured raisin' the age would keep those pesky youngsters from gettin' hooked on that nicotine nastiness.
Exceptions: Loophole Liquorice or Military Might? ♀️
Now, there are always a few exceptions to the rule, like that rattlesnake hiding in your boot. Here's the lowdown:
- Military on the Move: If you're a proud member of the U.S. military between the ages of 18 and 20, then you can still grab a pack (but maybe lay off the smokes before basic training, soldier!).
- Born Before the Smoke Signals: If you were born before August 31st, 2001, then you're grandfathered in and can still light up like a firefly at the age of 18.
But Remember, Folks: Smokin' ain't exactly a walk in the park. It can lead to a heap of health problems more troublesome than a herd of angry longhorns. So, if you're thinkin' about takin' up the habit, maybe consider a nice glass of sweet tea instead.
There you have it, partners! The next time you're wonderin' 'bout the smokin' age in Texas, you'll be a right smart cookie. Now, git along with ya and remember, smoking is a bad habit, just like leaving your boots in the middle of the saloon!
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