Currently in California you can buy a pack of cigarettes when you turn 18. But that may soon change after lawmakers passed a series of tobacco bills. One bill will raise the age to 21 to buy cigarettes.

The legislation has be to signed by the governor to become law.

But at the Washoe County Health Department, smoke-free advocates say they are watching closely to see if such legislation would be appropriate here.

“95% of tobacco users start before the age of 21. So if we can help, put a barrier so that youth don't pick up cigarettes, it really saves us costs in the long run, with health care especially,” Kelli Goatley-Seals a health educator coordinator with Washoe County Health Department.

Goatley-Seals says she's not convinced underage smokers in California will make their way across the state line to legally buy cigarettes. At Gold Ranch just a couple miles from the state line, a Truckee teen may be tempted to buy cigarettes. The manager says he doesn't expect a big impact. But he does say he will abide by Nevada law, and ask to see identification to make sure the person buying the cigarettes is 18 years old.

The price of cigarettes is 93 cents more in Nevada when compared to California. That may stop teens in their tracks from coming here to buy cigarettes. But that price may seem like a bargain in the years to come.

Currently in California, a petition is circulating, and if it makes it onto the ballot, a $2.00 tax will be placed on a pack of cigarettes. The money will go to health care, tobacco use prevention, and law enforcement.