Why should u be at least 18 or 21 to do some things like smoking and drinking?
607604
Because there have been studies done showing that teens have certain chemicals in their brains that cause them to be impulsive and make rasher decisions than adults.  You need to be aware of all the risks of something before you start doing it and most teens only do it cause it's cool and because their friends are doing it.  Smoking is dangerous and so is drinking (to excess).  And besides, the best answer to why is because the gov't decided it should be that way and end of story.  Don't worry... those ages get here and pass faster than you'd ever think.  Don't grow up too fast!
673932
Just like I'm 20, and I believe I should be able to drink alcohol. The people that make the laws feel that people aren't mature enough to make smart decisions. For the most part, younger people shouldn't vote because a lot of them aren't even aware of what's going on, or understand the importance of things. It may not be fair to you, but you're time will come. I'm not sure how old you are, but it usually goes by fast!
1042641
18 in every state. You are technically an adult at that point in every sense (except drinking, renting cars or hotel rooms) and it is a violation of your privacy.
954109
I think so...considering the health effects of smoking. My guess is they set it at 18 because that's the age you are considered an adult and can make your own decisions about what you do to your body.
361811
Anytime after 25, because you mature and change so much between the ages of 18 and 25.  Plus it gives you a chance to get the partying out of you're system and you get a chance to be young and have fun without worrying about anybody else.   May sound selfish but every once in a while we all have a right to be selfish and if you're married you don't have that chance.
751523
i think 21 is a good age but for our men and women fighting for our country under 21 they should be allowed since the are fighting to stay alive for us if they are old enough to die for our country they are old enough to drink
501006
I say 18 if you ask me, yeah its still young i guess, but by that time, you should be finishing up H.S and have lived under parents law long enough. Just like you said, you can go fight wars and vote, thats a big responsibility right there. If you old enough to (die) and old enough to vote. then I think the legal age should be 18.. As far as drinking, let be real, if someone under age wants to drink they can get liq, its not that hard..
49401
Here in Canada the drinking age is 19, I think that's fair. I think 21 is a bit high. Smoking should be 18...so should the legal age of consent, btw.
1018899
At eighteen, you are a legal adult and therefore legally responsible for your own choices.  You used to be able to purchase alcohol at the age of 18, but too many 18 year old seniors were buying it, and being pressured to buy it for underage students.  So they moved the age to 21.  I guess they don't have the same problem with cigarrettes.\n\nWell, it won't matter soon anyhoo..... they are in the midst of developing a vaccine that prevents you from feeling the nicotine high- thus ending addiction and dependacy on cigarrettes.
507423
if ur old enought to fight and die for your country at 18 then at that age u should be able to buy and drink a beer
531226
They mean they can be able to drink alcohol. A lot of people like to drink and its a sign of growing up; but they can't do that till they're legally 21.
75414
It's primarily about being mature enough to make the right decisions for yourself. In my state, it is 21. Even at 21 I know I made some pretty crappy decisions about drinking, but I can guarantee they were better than the decisions I would have made at 16. We have so many kids that drink and drive. They think they are invincible! \n\nAnother reason could deal with body weight. Your body can tolerate a bit more alcohol depending on your body weight. \n\nAgain, each person is different. Some 16 year olds are a lot more mature than some 30 year olds I know. Some are also a lot LARGER than people that are older. But the law has to find a compromise.....and thus sets an age limit for what they believe is in the public's best interest. Even then.........we still find that it does not alway deter kids from drinking.....driving......destroying their lives and others.
1140125
You need to start training while you're underage.
523534
Having a drink or a cigarette is one thing; getting "messed up" is a foolish thing to do. Why would a teenager have a drink? Drinking is an adult thing, and teenagers are constantly working on asserting the independence that they so desire. The independence craving part is a good thing because they are learning to become self-sufficient adults. The one drink is not so relevant; it just happens to be one way of manifesting their growing up. Why do some teenagers get "messed up"? Either their reign at home is too tight so they are having trouble asserting their independence, so when the opportunity arises, "all gates flood open." Or, that is the example they have from people they look up to, often their families. You can help by setting an example that it's "cool" to keep one's composure.
304055
18\nIf you're old enough to marry or to go to war and kill (or get killed) for your country, you definitely should be able to decide for yourself whether you want to get one glass or drunk. It may be bad for you, but so are many things that are legal.
444371
It is illegal to posess or use tobacco if you are under 18.
1017306
IMO, drinking AND driving should be set at 18.  If we can get drafted to die for our country at 18, then we should be given the rights and privaleges to get our licenses and drink as well.  Thats how the age to get the license was lowered nationwide - due to the draft.  However if we taught the children to moderate and not be stupid, then drinking would be less of a problem.