Effective October 1, 2019, the minimum age to purchase tobacco products and paraphernalia in Maryland is 21. Before October 1, 2019, the minimum age was 18.
Exception for Active Duty Military Members – There is an exception for active duty military members. The active duty military member must be at least 18 years old and present valid military identification to purchase tobacco products.
Read the law: Md. Code, Criminal Law 10-107
Tobacco Products - A tobacco product is a product “intended for human inhalation, absorption, ingestion, smoking, heating, chewing, dissolving, or any other manner of consumption that is made of, derived from, or contains” tobacco or nicotine or is an “accessory or a component used in any manner of consumption of a product described" in this paragraph.
Tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, snus, electronic smoking devices, filters, rolling papers, pipes, and liquids used in electronic smoking devices (regardless of nicotine content). Electronic smoking devices include e-cigarettes, vapes, pod-based devices such as JUUL, and their e-liquids, component parts, and accessories.
Read the law: Md. Code, Criminal Law 10-101
Tobacco Paraphernalia – Tobacco paraphernalia is “any object used, intended for use, or designed for use in inhaling or otherwise introducing tobacco products into the human body.” This includes cigarette rolling papers, various pipes, roach clips, carburetion tubes/devices, smoking/carburetion masks, and bongs.
Read the law: Md. Code, Criminal Law 10-101
Vending Machines – Tobacco products cannot be sold or dispensed through a vending machine unless the vending machine is located in an establishment that individuals under 21 are prohibited by law from entering at any times.
Read the Law: Md. Code, Business Regulation § 16-3A-02
Local Laws – Your local county may have additional restrictions on the distribution of tobacco to minors. Check your county’s code for more information.
Federal Laws – Federal laws may impose additional restrictions. For example, federal law prohibits the sale, distribution, and manufacture of flavored cigarettes (except menthol).