Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Maine and the United States. It has major impacts on health care costs and lost productivity, affecting individuals, families, businesses, and the State.
Maine recently passed legislation to increase the tax on tobacco and nicotine products starting January 5, 2026. Increases in tobacco taxes are widely recognized as an effective strategy for lowering tobacco product use, especially when paired with strengthened prevention and cessation resources.1 The impact is even greater for lowering tobacco use in younger people and other groups who use tobacco at high rates.2
The reduction in tobacco use resulting from a tax increase comes from a combination of fewer people starting to use tobacco and current tobacco users quitting, both due to the increased cost.
Importantly, people who get support to quit tobacco are far more successful than those who do not. There are free services available through the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention to help Mainers looking for support to quit.
Free Quit Support Available in Maine
- The Maine QuitLink Offers resources and quit support online or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Their quit support is designed primarily for adults ages 18+.
- My Life, My Quit Offers resources and help to quit. Text “Start My Quit” to 36072 for support. My Life, My Quit support is built for youth ages 13-17.
Staffing is expanding for these services to meet the increase in demand for quit support at the start of the new year.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
As part of these programs, eligible participants can receive nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) such as patches, gum, and lozenges at no cost to help manage cravings and support their quit journey.
Once someone enrolls in a program, either by working one-on-one with a quit coach or by signing up for the online tools, a kit of NRT is mailed directly to them:
- Participants who choose 1-on-1 coaching receive a 12-week supply of NRT.
- Participants who choose the online program receive a 4-week supply of NRT.
Personalized, free, and confidential phone and web-based coaching is available through all programs.
In early 2026, Baby and Me Tobacco Free will launch in Maine, providing pregnant people with a specialized quit resource.
All these services, combined with media campaigns, and other statewide efforts give Mainers the awareness and support they need to quit tobacco and nicotine for good.
Tobacco and Nicotine Tax Changes Effective January 5, 2026
The tax increase people see on January 5 varies by product:
- A pack of cigarettes will rise from $2.00 to $3.50.
- Smokeless tobacco products will increase from $2.02 per ounce to $3.54 per ounce.
- All other nicotine and tobacco products, including electronic vapor devices and pouches, will increase from 43% of the wholesale price to 75%.
Works Cited
- INCREASING THE FEDERAL TOBACCO TAX REDUCES TOBACCO USE - Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids,
- Bader P, Boisclair D, Ferrence R. Effects of Tobacco Taxation and Pricing on Smoking Behavior in High Risk Populations: A Knowledge Synthesis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2011; 8(11):4118-4139. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph8114118