There have been quite a few stories about the 820 new laws taking effect in Texas today.  One of the most talked about is the law that raises the legal smoking age to 21, or 18 if you are enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces and are purchasing tobacco products in the Lone Star State.  What isn't being talked about is the fact that Texas isn't alone in this regard.

Today in Arkansas, the smoking age goes up to 19 years old.  That's not all, the minimum age for tobacco products will steadily increase to 21 by the end of 2021.  There will also be an increase in the minimum markup on cigarettes and a hefty jump in in taxes on cigarette rolling papers as well.  Officials have not yet decided how to regulate e-cigarettes and vaporizers at this time.

According to Arkansas Online, the funds from these increased taxes will be used to help the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences get an official designation from the National Cancer Institute.

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