A new Maryland state law – the Tobacco 21 law – is in effect as of October 1, which raises the minimum age to purchase and use tobacco and electronic vapor products from 18 to 21 years of age.
A troubling increase in tobacco use among youth and young adults has occurred across the U.S., particularly since the introduction of vaping devices, prompting lawmakers to define e-cigarettes as tobacco products. Nationally, from 2017 -2018, use of tobacco products grew by nearly 40% among high school students, with the use of electronic smoking devices increasing by 78%. Equally alarming is the rising number of lung injuries and deaths attributed to vaping.
Research shows that most smokers start when they are younger and their brains are still developing. This can quickly lead to nicotine addiction and also make them more prone to other addictions. Nicotine use among youth and young adults can lead to reduced impulse control, attention deficit, and other learning and mood disorders. The alarming spike in tobacco use among young people has caused health care officials to declare this a public health crisis.
Raising the minimum legal sales age to 21 will help decrease access to these products and reduce the risk that they will become addicted smokers.
Maryland Tobacco and Vape Retailers
Important changes impacting tobacco and vape sales:
- All tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes, vapes, pod-based devices and their e-liquids, and component parts and accessories – regardless of nicotine content/including CBD) are considered tobacco products and cannot be sold to anyone under 21
- There is an exception for active duty military personnel ages 18 or older with a valid military ID card
- There is no “grandfathering”, phase-in, or grace period for individuals who are 18 years of age prior to 10/1/19
- A valid driver’s license or other government-issued ID are the only acceptable forms of identification for tobacco purchases (employer or school ID is not permitted)
- Retailers are required to post new age of sale signs in their establishments stating “No person under the age of 21 may be sold tobacco products without military identification.” Signs will be sent to all licensed retailers by the Maryland Department of Health, or they may be downloaded here.
Help to Quit
Quitting tobacco use or vaping can be easier when you prepare in advance and have a plan. Here are steps you can take to help with quitting:
- Know why you’re quitting. Do you want to feel better? Save money? How is tobacco use or vaping affecting your life? Knowing why you want to quit can help you stay motivated and focused on your goal.
- Set your quit date. The first step is to choose a date to quit. Try not to pick a quit date that will be stressful, such as the day before a test or big event. But don’t put it off for too long either – picking a date too far away gives you time to change your mind or become less interested in quitting.
- Know what challenges to expect. The first few weeks of quitting vaping are usually the hardest. Take it one day at a time. Learn your triggers – certain people, feelings or situations can cause you to want to vape or use tobacco. It may be best to avoid situations that can trigger you to vape when you’re in the early stages of quitting. Think about how you will fight cravings and deal with withdrawal symptoms.
- Imagine your tobacco-free self. It might be hard to imagine yourself without e-cigarettes or tobacco, but over time it will become the new normal. Focus on the positive – it will remind you that it does not define who you are.
- Build your team. Surround yourself with supportive people who can make it easier to quit. Ask for help – you don’t have to do it alone. Asking for help isn’t weak – it’s a smart move! If you feel comfortable, tell your friends and family that you’re quitting and you will need their support, and what kind of support you will need. Talk to a health care professional or a tobacco cessation counselor.