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Tobacco and Vaping Laws in Maryland

How Maryland law treats smoking and vaping age, from the state code and official state agencies.

Short answer: The minimum age to buy tobacco products in Maryland is 21, and 'tobacco products' include electronic smoking devices (vapes) and the liquids used in them, whether or not they contain nicotine. Md. Code, Crim. Law §§10-101(d), 10-107; Health-Gen. §24-307

Smoking and vaping ageThe minimum age to buy tobacco products in Maryland is 21, and 'tobacco products' include electronic smoking devices (vapes) and the liquids used in them, whether or not they contain nicotine. A commercial seller may not sell or give tobacco products or paraphernalia to anyone under 21, must keep tobacco behind the counter, and must check government photo ID for anyone under 30; no one may buy tobacco for a person under 21. Selling to someone under 21 is a misdemeanor with fines up to $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second within two years and $3,000 for later ones (with license suspension or revocation for repeat violations by licensed retailers), or alternatively a civil citation with penalties up to $300, $1,000 and $3,000.
Crim. Law §10-101: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?enactments=false&article=gcr&section=10-101; Health-Gen. §24-307: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?enactments=false&article=ghg&section=24-307. A civil citation under §24-307 bars prosecution under §10-107 for the same violation.

More Maryland criminal law

FAQ

What is the smoking and vaping age in Maryland?
The minimum age to buy tobacco products in Maryland is 21, and 'tobacco products' include electronic smoking devices (vapes) and the liquids used in them, whether or not they contain nicotine. A commercial seller may not sell or give tobacco products or paraphernalia to anyone under 21, must keep tobacco behind the counter, and must check government photo ID for anyone under 30; no one may buy tobacco for a person under 21. Selling to someone under 21 is a misdemeanor with fines up to $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second within two years and $3,000 for later ones (with license suspension or revocation for repeat violations by licensed retailers), or alternatively a civil citation with penalties up to $300, $1,000 and $3,000.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.