Canton Raises Cigarette Purchase Age to 21

According to the American Council on Science and Health, the Canton Board of Health voted Monday night to raise the minimum age for buying cigarettes and other products with nicotine from 18 to 21.

However, the board also voted not to ban the sale of electronic vapor cigarettes, which use vapor to deliver nicotine to the lungs and not smoke.

According to MyFoxBoston.com, the board originally held the meeting because they felt there were currently ways for children and teenagers to get around laws concerning the purchasing of cigarettes.

The regulations, which go affect January 1, "are intended to cut down on the use of nicotine products by underage users," according to WCVB. However, critics say it could create an "economic disadvantage" for Canton businesses since surrounding towns may still sell to those 18 and above, WCVB reports.