Tobacco 21 - What You Need To Know

What Is Tobacco 21?
Tobacco 21 (T21) is a law that raises the Maryland state sales age to 21 for all tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices.

What is a tobacco product?
Tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, electronic cigarettes and other vaping devices. A tobacco product is any product that includes tobacco, regardless of the amount of nicotine.

When does T21 go into effect?
T21 is effective October 1, 2019.  There is no “grandfathering,” phase-in, or grace period.

Does T21 apply to military personnel?
T21 does not apply to active duty military personnel who are 18 of age or older.   Military personnel must provide a valid military identification card.

What are retailers required to do?
Retailers must post clear visible signs that say "No person under the age of 21 may be sold tobacco products without military identification."  Retailers should also train their staff on the new Tobacco 21 Law. 


The Maryland Tobacco Quitline is a free service to help Marylanders quit tobacco, including e-cigarettes and vapes. Any person age 13 and older may call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit www.smokingstopshere.com.


For more information, visit The Maryland Department of Health T21 website.