Where Does Maryland Rank Among States With Lowest Tobacco Use?

Fact Checked by Jim Tomlin

Maryland boasts one of the beat smoking rates among adults in the United States, playing a significant role in reducing smoking-related deaths caused by lung cancer. So BetMaryland took time out from rating the best sports betting app Maryland options to tackle the question of where the state ranks for tobacco usage and why its measures to curb smoking have worked.

In a state that strongly enforces smoke-free policies and consistently advocates for increased tobacco tax rates, tobacco use in Maryland has declined over the past two decades. And the number of residents who have never smoked continues to grow, according to the State’s Department of Health official website.

Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in MD. In Partnership with MGM National Harbor. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

Steps Maryland Has Taken To Curb Tobacco

Through youth prevention efforts, partnerships with local health organizations and effective cessation support, Maryland actively encourages residents to embrace healthier lifestyles that will eventually lead to the reduction of smoking-related deaths.

Utah and California are the top two states with the lowest smoking rates. Maryland is tied with Hawaii for third and Massachusetts rounds out the top five.

But which other states make this list?

Using data from the CDC’s 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System CDC – 2021 BRFSS Survey Data and Documentation, BetMaryland ranked the states based on their percentage of adults who reported “smoking at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime and currently smoke daily or some days.”

Percentage of Adult Smokers Per State

RankState% of Adult Smokers
1Utah7.2
2California8.92
T3Hawaii10.1
T3Maryland10.1
5Massachusetts10.6
T6New Jersey10.7
T6Washington10.7
8Connecticut11.1
T9Colorado12.0
T9Illinois12.0
T9New York12.0
12New Hampshire12.3
T13Oregon12.4
T13Rhode Island12.4
T13Virginia12.4
T16Arizona13.1
T16Texas13.1
T18Idaho13.3
T18New Mexico13.3
T18Wisconsin13.3
T21Delaware13.4
T21Minnesota13.4
T21Nebraska13.4
T24Montana14.4
T24North Carolina14.4
T24Pennsylvania14.4
27Iowa14.6
28Vermont14.8
T29Georgia15.0
T29North Dakota15.0
31South Dakota15.3
T32Nevada15.5
T32South Carolina15.5
T34Kansas15.6
T34Maine15.6
36Wyoming16.4
37Oklahoma16.9
38Michigan17.0
39Arkansas17.1
40Alabama17.2
T41Indiana17.3
T41Missouri17.3
43Ohio18.0
44Louisiana19.5
T45Kentucky19.6
T45Mississippi19.6
47Tennessee19.7
48Arkansas21.1
49West Virginia22.0
Note: Florida is not listed because there was not enough data collected for 2021 survey.

Maryland’s Stance Against Tobacco

With an adult smoking rate of 10.1%, tied with Hawaii, Maryland outperforms the national average, which is 15.5%. According to Truth Initiative, Maryland’s tobacco tax rate is among the highest in the country.

The state’s cigarette tax is $3.75 per pack, compared to the national average of $1.91.

Maryland has also imposed comprehensive clean indoor air ordinances. The Old Line State restricts smoking in all government and private workplaces, casinos/gaming establishments – including Maryland sports betting locations – schools, childcare facilities, restaurants, bars, retail stores and recreational/cultural facilities.

Measures Aimed At Reducing Youth Smoking

To address the future of adult smokers, the state implements one of the most effective youth access laws in the country. Currently, the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and disposable products is prohibited, a measure not enforced in many states. Also, vending machines that dispense smoking devices are only allowed inside smoke shops that are inaccessible to underage people.

Maryland residents deservedly have a right to celebrate World No Tobacco Day, as they are one of the strongest contributors in the fight against tobacco use.

For the most up-to-date information on sports wagering in the state, or the latest Maryland sportsbook promos, stay with BetMaryland.

Author

Felix Veletanga

Felix Veletanga is an experienced reporter who has covered local news, politics, and sports in Northern New Jersey, and now lends his expertise to the Maryland sports betting market. He previously covered the Saint Peter’s men’s basketball team’s 2022 NCAA Cinderella run for HudPost. Felix specializes in combat fighting and soccer betting analysis with a focus on the Premier League.

Cited by leading media organizations, such as: