The Minimum Age to Buy Tobacco in Maine Goes Up On July 1
Starting July 1, a new law goes into effect in Maine that raises the minimum age to buy cigarettes and other tobacco products to 21.
In August of 2017, Maine's Senate and House voted to override Governor LePage's veto of a bill that would raise the age to buy tobacco products to 21. LePage cited that raising the age would harm business by preventing legal adults from purchasing tobacco.
That law is set to go into effect with on July 1 with one provision. If you are 18-years-old before July 1, 2018, you can continue to buy tobacco products. If you turn 18 after July 1, you must wait until you are 21.
Another exception to the law is in the City of Portland which passed a law in 2016 raising the minimum age to 21. That law supersedes the state law so if you are 18 or older but not yet 21, you cannot buy tobacco in Portland.