The minimum age to purchase tobacco products and paraphernalia in Maryland is 21. 

Exception for Active Duty Military Members – Maryland law provides an exception to the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products and paraphernalia for active duty military members. The minimum purchase age for an active-duty military member is 18 years old. The military member must present valid military identification to purchase tobacco products.  

Read the law: Md. Code, Criminal Law 10-107 

Tobacco Products - A tobacco product is any item made of, derived from, or containing tobacco or nicotine that is intended for human consumption through inhalation, absorption, ingestion, smoking, heating, chewing, dissolving, or any other means. A tobacco product also includes any accessory or component utilized in consuming such products.

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 where individuals under 21 are prohibited by law from entering. 

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).