ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Governor Larry Hogan signed legislation raising the minimum age to buy tobacco, vape and e-cigarette products from 18 to 21 Monday, a move that will make Maryland the ninth state to enact such a law.
Despite some opponents from Hogan’s own republican party, the governor said in a statement, “There is no more important job than protecting the health and safety of Marylanders.”
Other opponents believe the legislation is an overreach of government, one that interferes with personal choice and could hurt businesses that sell such products.
Others echo the governor’s sentiment, saying health and safety are important. “I think it’s more of a health issue and preventing the kids from getting addicted to tobacco at an early age,” said Kevin Coleman of Nanticoke, Md.
Lyndsey Arnes of Salisbury, Md, doesn’t mind the new law but does not think it will make a significant difference. "They're going to get it either way,” Arnes said. “I'm not against it. People smoke anyways, it's not going to stop because of age limit."
The legislation passed with relative ease in both the house and senate. The penalty for selling tobacco products to someone underage will remain the same. First-offense violators could see a $300 fine. The law goes into effect in Maryland in October.
