Maryland Tobacco Tax Increase is a Big Win for Lung Health

“Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States,” said Aleks Casper, Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association in Maryland “we applaud the budget leaders, committee chairs Barnes and Guzzone for taking another step forward for public health as the tobacco tax in Maryland is now one of the highest in the nation.  Raising the taxes on tobacco products is one of the most effective ways to help smokers to quit, prevent kids from starting to use tobacco products, and save lives in Maryland.”  

In Maryland, 15.6% of high school students use a tobacco product and 14.7% use an electronic smoking device.  Research shows a 10% increase in the price of cigarettes would be expected to decrease tobacco consumption by 4% among adults and 7% among youth.   

In addition to the passage of the tobacco tax increases in the budget, legislators also approved another important piece of legislation to reduce tobacco use and prevent exposure to e-cigarette emissions by expanding the state’s smokefree law to apply to e-cigarettes.  We applaud the legislature for its public health focus and encourage Governor Moore to sign these important pieces of legislation. 

Healthcare providers and QuitLines from both Maryland and the American Lung Association provide support to smokers who want to quit. Quitting tobacco leads to, the potential for better health outcomes and reduced health care costs. Anyone can connect with us by calling 1-800-LUNGUSA or 1-800-586-4872 (press 2) or submitting a question or live chat at lung.org/helpline.