Health News

Maryland Sees Major Improvement in Anti-Tobacco Efforts, But Challenges Remain

Maryland has earned the title of “most improved” in a new national report assessing state policies aimed at reducing tobacco use. The state’s progress comes after significant legislative changes, including an increased cigarette tax and expanded clean indoor air regulations. However, the American Lung Association (ALA) says there is still work to be done.

Higher Cigarette Taxes and New E-Cigarette Rules Make an Impact

Maryland’s improved ranking in the ALA’s State of Tobacco Control 2025 Report can largely be attributed to key policy changes enacted last year. One of the most significant measures was a $1.25 hike in the state cigarette tax, bringing the total tax per pack to $5. This positions Maryland as having the second-highest cigarette tax in the nation, just behind New York’s $5.35 per pack.

Additionally, Maryland took steps to curb e-cigarette use in public spaces. A new law included vaping products in the state’s smokefree workplace regulations, which prohibit smoking in indoor public spaces. This change upgraded Maryland’s “smokefree air” grade from a “B” in 2024 to an “A” in 2025, signaling a major win for public health advocates.

Maryland tobacco tax increase

Grading Maryland’s Tobacco Control Policies

The State of Tobacco Control report evaluates states based on five key policy areas. Maryland’s grades show progress but also highlight where improvements are still needed:

Policy Area 2024 Grade 2025 Grade
Smokefree Air B A
Tobacco Taxes C B
Tobacco Prevention Funding F F
Flavored Tobacco Ban F F
Access to Cessation Services A A

While the state made notable gains in tobacco taxes and smokefree air policies, it continues to receive failing grades for its lack of restrictions on flavored tobacco products and inadequate funding for prevention and cessation programs.

Where Maryland Still Falls Short

Despite progress, the ALA is urging lawmakers to go further. Two areas stand out as needing immediate attention:

  • Flavored Tobacco Restrictions: Maryland currently lacks laws to limit the sale of flavored tobacco products, which public health experts say contribute to youth smoking rates. Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, an ALA national spokesperson and assistant professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, emphasizes that restricting flavored products is crucial to preventing young people from developing lifelong smoking habits.
  • Funding for Prevention and Cessation Efforts: The state continues to underfund tobacco prevention programs. While Medicaid expansion helps provide access to cessation treatments, advocates argue that more investment is needed in public health campaigns and education programs.

National Trends and Maryland’s Position

Maryland’s improvements come at a time when many states are seeing stalled progress due to lobbying from the tobacco industry. The ALA report notes that Maryland was a rare exception, successfully implementing new laws despite industry pushback.

Maryland is now a leader in some areas, particularly in cigarette taxation and smokefree workplace laws, but still lags behind other states in comprehensive tobacco prevention strategies. Washington, D.C., for example, is the only jurisdiction to earn an “A” for tobacco taxes, due to broader taxation on various tobacco products beyond cigarettes.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Maryland?

Maryland officials and public health advocates will need to address the remaining gaps in the state’s tobacco control policies to maintain its progress. The ALA warns that improvements can be reversed if strong policies are not protected and expanded.

While Maryland has made significant strides, the state must now shift its focus to tackling flavored tobacco products and increasing funding for prevention programs. The fight against tobacco use is far from over, and sustained efforts will be needed to continue protecting residents’ health.

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