How many teens actually smoke in Maryland?
Each year, 6,900 young people (under 18) in Maryland become new daily smokers. Although studies reveal that Maryland’s youth smoking rates have declined in recent years, as of 2004, 19.8% of Maryland’s 12th graders could be classified as recent smokers (i.e., they smoked cigarettes in any amount within the last 30 days). Of those 12th graders who are recent smokers, 32.3% are regular smokers (i.e, smoke between 1/2 to 1 pack daily).
