ME LD1938

Prohibits the retail sale of tobacco products through vending machines in Maine, effective January 5, 2026

Bans tobacco retailers and distributors from giving away free tobacco products

Expands the definition of "smoking" to include electronic smoking devices and heated tobacco/plant products, removing the previous limitation to only traditional combustible tobacco

Doubles civil penalties for unlicensed cigarette distributors: first-time violations increase from $250-$500 to $500-$1,000, and repeat violations increase from $500-$1,000 to $1,000-$2,000

Updates the definition of "electronic smoking device" by removing the phrase "to simulate smoking," broadening its regulatory scope