Young Adult

The aim of cigar regulation is to protect youth and young adults from the hazards of tobacco. That makes your voice the most important. You can use that to help make regulation prohibiting the sale of single, cheap cigars and flavored cigars a reality. You can help bring about awareness of the youth cigar problem in a number of ways. For example, you can:

write an OpEd in your local newspaper,
visit, call or write a letter to your delegate in support of the legislation;
write a letter to local tobacco retailers,
organize or take part in tobacco-free activities; or
become involved in related organizations

Before You Begin

Before you write an OpEd or contact your local delegate or tobacco retailer find out for yourself how bad the tobacco problem is in your community. First, learn the facts about cigar smoking. Next, complete the environmental scan or visit storealert.org to determine how bad the youth tobacco problem is where you live.

Contact your Delegate

It�s your delegate�s job to listen to you, so tell him or her what you think about cigar regulation. Write your delegate a letter, call your delegate, or schedule a meeting to discuss the issue. Use the resources below to get started!

Find your Maryland delegate use our sample letter to write to him or her.
Telephone call script and the do�s and don�ts of contacting your delegate
Checklist to use before you meet with your delegate
Do�s and don�ts for meeting with your delegate
Don�t forget to write a thank you letter after you�ve met with your delegate!

Contact your Local Tobacco Retailer

You can prevent the sale of tobacco products to youth by contacting your local tobacco retailers. Tell them about the problem and why they shouldn�t sell single, flavored cigars.

You may want to use our sample letter or write your own letter to a local tobacco retailer. You can also send similar letters to other places your community where people will see them, such as school or community newsletters.

Tobacco-Free Activities

You can do something active to reduce the use of tobacco products in your community by planning or taking part in a tobacco-free activity.

For tips on planning a tobacco-free activity visit marylandtrash.com. You can also take part in or organize a kick butts day event. Kick Butts Day is a day that empowers youth to speak up and take action against Big Tobacco at more than 2,000 events from coast to coast.

Organizations You Can Become Involved In and Other Helpful Websites:

Quit Smoking

If you are a smoker and would like to quit you can get help:

If you are 18 or older call 1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit smokingstopshere.com to speak with an expert.
Visit Maryland T.R.A.S.H. for a quit kit
Visit smokefree.gov for a step-by-step guide to quitting or to speak to an expert.

Home
- Cigarettes vs. Cigars

UM | About This Site | Site Map | Contact Us