Access to Tobacco, Alcohol, and Gambling from Age 21

Is an 18-year-old still a kid—or already an adult? The debate on raising the legal age for alcohol, tobacco, and gambling to 21 reveals two conflicting views on responsibility. One is based on neuroscience, showing the brain may still be too immature for risky choices. The other is rooted in equal rights: if you’re old enough to vote or join the military, why not buy a beer? This isn’t just about substances—it’s about how we define adulthood today. Where do you draw the line?