New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, R, signed legislation raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco products from 19 to 21.
"The less people who develop costly tobacco habits that can cause health problems, such as lung cancer, heart disease and developmental issues, the less strain there will be on our healthcare system," Mr. Christie said.
New Jersey is the third state to lift its smoking age to 21. Hawaii made the change in 2015 and California followed in 2016, according to CNN.