Annapolis, Maryland, May 27, 2025 — E-cigarette sales in Maryland have surged by 250% since 2020, with disposable e-cigarettes driving the increase by delivering significantly higher nicotine content, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Foundation and the Truth Initiative. Disposable e-cigarettes, which now account for nearly 75% of nicotine content sold, have seen their nicotine levels rise by over 2,000%, raising concerns about youth access and addiction.
The study highlights that most disposable e-cigarette products are sold illegally, with more than 80% of sales coming from products not authorized by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA has approved only 34 e-cigarette products for legal sale. In Maryland, nearly 15% of high school students reported using an e-cigarette at least once in the past 30 days, underscoring the products’ appeal to younger users.
Megan Diaz, research director of the Schroeder Institute at the Truth Initiative, said, “They come in a variety of flavors. They’re just highly attractive to youth. They are providing the most amount of nicotine to the market right now. This is a problem, because youth are really attracted to these products.” The study notes that in 2023, nearly 90% of nicotine sold in the U.S. came from nontobacco flavored products, which research indicates is a key factor in youth nicotine use.
Disposable e-cigarettes, often marketed in vibrant packaging and flavors like fruit and candy, are particularly appealing to those under 18, despite Maryland’s legal purchasing age of 21 for tobacco and nicotine products. The sharp increase in nicotine content in these devices amplifies the risk of addiction, as nicotine is a highly addictive substance. Diaz emphasized, “Nicotine is a highly addictive product. We do offer a free program at Truth Initiative that helps everyone, not just youth. It also helps adults to quit tobacco and nicotine.”
The Truth Initiative has responded to the growing issue by offering free cessation resources. Its EX Program, designed to help individuals quit nicotine, includes a new initiative tailored for young people. Those interested can text “EXPROGRAM” to 88709 or visit ExProgram.com for more information. The organization promotes science-based treatments to combat nicotine addiction, aiming to reduce the public health impact of e-cigarette use.
The rise in illegal sales adds another layer of complexity. The FDA’s limited approvals mean most products on the market evade regulatory oversight, potentially exposing users to untested or unsafe devices. Maryland health officials have yet to announce new measures to address the influx of unauthorized products, but the study’s findings may prompt stricter enforcement.
In Maryland, the increase in e-cigarette use aligns with national trends. The CDC Foundation and Truth Initiative’s research builds on earlier studies showing flavored nicotine products drive youth experimentation. Disposable e-cigarettes, being cheaper and more accessible, exacerbate this trend. The combination of high nicotine content and appealing flavors creates a public health challenge, particularly for adolescents whose developing brains are more susceptible to addiction.
Efforts to curb youth vaping include educational campaigns and stricter retail compliance checks. However, the rapid growth of the disposable e-cigarette market suggests more comprehensive measures may be needed to address both supply and demand.
