Should the legal age to purchase and possess tobacco in Wyoming increase from 18 to 21?  That’s the question Duke & Dahl posed to radio listeners during the Weekday Wake-up on Swift 98 and The Spur.

The questions comes after the federal government increase the legal age this past December, making it illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product, including cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes, to anyone under the age of 21.

However, after receiving several inquires about the law change, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office released a statement saying that “state law enforcement officers, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and deputies, cannot enforce federal law.  We can only enforce Wyoming State Law.”

18 is the current legal age for tobacco purchase and possession in Wyoming.  But there is “currently a bill in legislation that was advanced back in September by Wyoming State Lawmakers” that would increase the legal age from 18 to 21 in Wyoming, according to the statement from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

SVI Radio listeners were asked their opinions about the Wyoming legislation.  Here are their responses.

Keep at 18

“One more noose in the ol land of the free rope.”

“They should be educating about e-cigarettes and vaping rather than bans.”

“It seems unreasonable to ask 18 – 20 year olds to fight and die for our country, but you can’t smoke and drink.”

“I don’t smoke. I don’t agree with it. But I also don’t agree with the government thinking they should be able to rule every aspect of life.”

“If you’re dumb enough to do it at 18 you’re dumb enough to do it at 21.. age doesn’t always change intelligence.”

“Leave as is!! If they can vote, and join the U.S. military, then they’re old enough to buy/use tobacco.”

“No 18 you are legally a adult so adults can choose whether to do tobacco.”

“Do 18 year old people vote, are they eligible for the draft? If the answers are yes, then they can handle tobacco at 18.”

“If you can vote you can smoke I think.”

Increase to 21

“For the sake of growth and development of a young body the age should be 21.”

“Yes they should raise it to 21 And here is why. The kids that are 18 are buying for the kids under the age of 18. So if they raise it then they can’t get it from there friends. And also if it is 21 then the schools won’t have a problem like they do right now.”