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Policy

Tobacco related policy continues to play an increasing role in the everyday life of Americans, whether they know it or not. As empirical research about the negative health effects of tobacco use grows, more and more policy makers are beginning to look for and implement tobacco policies to protect the health of those they serve. But policies are not influenced solely by scientific research. Policy is often influenced by advocacy groups which serve to provide a voice for the people that policy makers serve. Advocacy groups, such as S.T.O.P.S., play an important role in fostering policy change by providing information to policy makers, raising awareness among constituents, and linking individuals to their representatives by giving them a louder voice with which to promote tobacco cessation and prevention.

College Policy

Organizations on campuses throughout the state and country are working for smoke-free campuses. With the release of the Surgeon General's Report on second hand smoke in 2006, smoke-free campuses would reduce the harm and risk of harm from second hand smoke. Check out each coalitions' policy on tobacco here.

State Policy

Tax Issues

Research has suggested the single greatest policy determinant of youth smoking is the price of cigarettes.² As of January 1, 2006, Maryland ranks 19th in the U.S. in terms of highest tax rate per pack of cigarettes ($1.00 per pack).

Smoke-free Initiatives

Clean Indoor Air Act of 2007

The Clean Indoor Air Act was signed into law on May 17, 2007. The Clean Indoor Air Act prohibits smoking in indoor areas open to the public, public indoor meeting spaces, mass transportation vehicles owned or operated by the government, and indoor places of employment. Based on recommendations by the Surgeon General's Report on second hand smoke in 2006, the purpose of the Act is to limit the people of Maryland's exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. The Act will affect college students in several ways. Indoor smoking areas will no longer be permitted, protecting the health of students working in places such as bars and restaurants as of February 1, 2008.  For more information, check out the CIAA's website.

MDQuit Newsletters

A special issue related to the Clean Indoor Air Act was released at the end of the year in 2007.  To access this document, click here: Fall 2007 Newsletter

MDQuit has released their Summer 2008 Newsletter.  Includes information on Hookah smoking!

Helpful Links for Creating a Tobacco Free Campus

For more information on why advocating campus tobacco-free policy is important, see our Prevention section.

For up-to-date information on Policy across Maryland, sign up for S.T.O.P.S. eNews and check out our Newsroom often!

American's for Non-Smoker's Rights list of Smoke Free Colleges and Universities (Jan 8, 2008).

DHMH, Environmental Health Coordination Program's CIAA webpage

TOBACCO FREE U (Created by the BACCHUS Network)

American Cancer Society (ACS): Advocating for a Smoke-Free Campus
American Cancer Society: Smoke-Free College Campus Iniative
American Cancer Society: Standards for Smoke-Free Campuses
American Cancer Society: Sample Policy