Changes to Tobacco Sales Age:
The federal minimum age for purchasing tobacco products has changed from 18 to 21 as of December 20, 2019. This legislation supersedes the grandfathering clause in Maine law.
Retailers must not sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21 effective immediately.
We will work to update our resources and trainings for retailers and their customers to reflect this change.
Any questions can be directed to Devon Dobbins, Tobacco Enforcement Coordinator, Office of the Maine Attorney General at devon.l.dobbins@maine.gov or (207) 626-8574; or the Maine CDC Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention and Control program at tsup.dhhs@maine.gov or (207) 287-4627.
Mission
Provide leadership, partnership, and education throughout Maine to reduce and prevent substance misuse, commercial tobacco use, and promote well-being across the lifespan.
Outcomes
The following outcomes are targets measured through the Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention program to be achieved by 2021, not as a percent decrease from the current rate. These are the long-term outcomes that help our state become a healthier Maine. The data sources for most of these outcomes* are two of Maine’s surveillance instruments (BRFSS and MIYHS). Tobacco outcomes are in alignment with, but further, the goals set through Healthy Maine 2020. Alcohol, marijuana and prescription drug abuse results are in alignment with the goals set in the Partnership for Success grant maintained by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services (SAMHS).