Lilli you make a good point....it varies per person....they have to go with an average age. 18 is too young i think I was 17 when I started college and just because your in college does not make you a responsible adult. College was my MOST rebellious and irresponsible phase for me. If they raised the age younger people will still find ways to get cigs etc. Another thing they should raise is CREDIT giving credit cards and accounts to someone that just turns 18 isnt a good idea either. They rack it up and of course most dont really have the mentality that bad credit is going to affect them for a long time just like getting say a DUI among one example....Most people in this age range dont totally comprehend the ramifications of the law. Yes granted we all "know" what will happen if we do it but dont totally comprehend it.
Just my opinion.