Effective October 1, 2019, the statewide sales age increases to 21 for all tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes, vapes, pod-based devices, and component parts and accessories).
Effective December 20, 2019, the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products was also raised from 18 to 21 years.
The federal Tobacco 21 law went into effect on December 20, 2019. The federal law does not include a military exemption. In order to be compliant with the federal law, Maryland retailers should no longer sell tobacco products to any one under the age of 21 - no exceptions.
Important changes impacting tobacco sales:
- There is no phase-in or grace period for individuals who are 18 years of age prior to 10/1/19. As of this date, no tobacco sales are permissible to any customer under 21
- Valid driver's license or other valid government-issued ID are the only acceptable forms of identification for tobacco purchases (employer or school ID 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' (Compliant signs are available for download or order.)
QUIT SUPPORT: NRT (e.g. patch, gum, lozenge) can be sold to customers age 18 and older. More help to quit toboacco, including e-cigarettes can be found on the
Maryland Tobacco Quitline website, or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or texting
READY to 34191.
