Maryland Approves Higher Tobacco Buying Age
If signed by the governor, the bill requiring tobacco purchasers to be 21 or older would take effect Oct. 1.
Apr 05, 2019
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — This week, the Maryland General Assembly approved a bill that would increase the tobacco buying age to 21. The state Senate passed a similar measure earlier, the Baltimore Sun reports.
The bill, which exempts members of the military, would take effect on Oct. 1 if signed by Gov. Larry Hogan, who has not indicated his position on the matter. Both chambers passed the measure in big enough margins that a veto by Hogan could be overridden.
The legislation encompasses all tobacco products, including cigars, vaping devices, e-cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and cigarettes. Retailers would be required to put up signs warning that tobacco sales can only be made to those 21 or older.
JUUL Labs supported the bill. “We cannot fulfill our mission to provide the world’s 1 billion adult smokers with a true alternative to combustible cigarettes if youth use continues unabated,” said Ted Kwong, a JUUL spokesman.
If Hogan signs it, Maryland will become the ninth state with a higher-than-18 minimum tobacco purchase age. Neighbor Virginia approved 21 as the threshold for buying tobacco earlier this year.
Tobacco
