As of today, New Jersey law requires smokers to be a minimum of 21 years of age.

Signed by Governor Chris Christie in July, the new restriction means smokers must be 21 to purchase tobacco products and electronic smoking devices. The previous age was 19. Christie says his motivation to raise the smoking age was rising health care costs, according to 6abc.com.

"My mother died from the effects of smoking, and no one should lose their life due to any addictive substance.", Christie said in a statement to CNN.

Hawaii and California are the only other states with a minimum smoking age of 21.

SOURCES: 6abc; CNN

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