Extinguishing the tobacco epidemic in Maryland

MARYLAND KEY FACTS In 2015, 27.6% of Maryland high school youth reported currently using any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes. Among Maryland high school youth, 8.7% reported currently smoking cigarettes. PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE TO TOBACCO USE IN MARYLAND Despite Maryland’s success in lowering youth tobacco use rates, the state program found that many Maryland retailers were illegally selling tobacco to kids at increasing rates. In 2014, just 37% of Maryland youth reported being asked to provide photo ID to purchase cigarettes, and nearly 70% of youth smokers reported being able to purchase cigarettes directly or by proxy. In response, the program launched the Responsible Tobacco Retailer Initiative, which educated retailers, increased the enforcement of youth access laws, and improved partnerships between state, local, public and private entities, including retailers. This concerted effort proved to be successful – illegal tobacco sales to minors declined by 56% from 2014 to 2015. Due to this positive outcome, Maryland continues to implement the Responsible Tobacco Retailer Initiative, sustaining effective programs and partnerships. State compliance inspections from 2016 show the violation rate has declined even further – less than11% of retailers are selling tobacco to minors, a 65% reduction from 2014. For more information on tobacco prevention and control, visit cdc.gov/tobacco.

Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection