Tobacco and Nicotine Product Regulations in Mississippi

What is the legal smoking age for purchasing tobacco and nicotine products in Mississippi?

The legal smoking age for purchasing tobacco and nicotine products in Mississippi is 21 years of age.

Can I legally purchase e-cigarettes and vaping products in Mississippi?

No. The sale and possession of e-cigarettes and vaping products is prohibited in Mississippi.

Are there restrictions on the sale of flavored tobacco or vaping products in Mississippi?

Yes, there are restrictions on the sale of flavored tobacco and vaping products in Mississippi. Retailers must obtain a permit from the Mississippi State Department of Health in order to sell flavored tobacco or vaping products. Additionally, flavored tobacco and vaping products are prohibited from being sold to anyone under the age of 21.

Do state laws prohibit smoking in public places, such as restaurants, bars, and parks in Mississippi?

Yes. Mississippi state law prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places, including restaurants, bars, and parks. It also prohibits smoking within 20 feet of entrances to these places.

Is there a tax on tobacco and nicotine products in Mississippi?

Yes, there is a tobacco tax in Mississippi. The state imposes a 68% excise tax on the wholesale price of all cigarettes and other tobacco products. The state also imposes a 5% sales tax and an additional 1.5% local option sales tax on tobacco products.

What are the penalties for selling tobacco or nicotine products to minors in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, it is illegal to sell or distribute any tobacco or nicotine product to a minor. Violators of this law may be subject to a minimum fine of $1,000 dollars and imprisonment up to 6 months for a first offense. Subsequent offenses may result in higher fines and potentially longer prison sentences.

Can I smoke or vape in indoor workplaces in Mississippi?

No, smoking and vaping in indoor workplaces in Mississippi is not allowed. The Mississippi Clean Indoor Air Act specifies that all indoor places of employment must be smoke-free. This includes all enclosed areas of a public place, place of employment, and educational facility.

Are there restrictions on the advertising and marketing of tobacco and nicotine products in Mississippi?

Yes, there are restrictions on the advertising and marketing of tobacco and nicotine products in Mississippi. All advertising of tobacco and nicotine products must comply with the Mississippi Tobacco Use Prevention Act. Advertising must not target minors, must not be false or misleading, and must not make health claims about tobacco or nicotine products. Additionally, retailers are prohibited from displaying tobacco products in locations accessible to minors.

Do state laws require graphic warning labels on cigarette packaging in Mississippi?

No, state laws do not require graphic warning labels on cigarette packaging in Mississippi.

What is the legal limit for the nicotine content in e-cigarette liquids in Mississippi?

At this time, there is no definitive legal limit for the nicotine content in e-cigarette liquids in Mississippi. However, the Mississippi State Department of Health recommends ensuring that e-liquids contain no more than 2.4% nicotine.

Can I order tobacco or nicotine products online and have them shipped to my address in Mississippi?

No, it is illegal to purchase and/or possess any form of tobacco or nicotine products online and have them shipped to a Mississippi address. Mississippi is one of the few remaining states that does not allow online purchases of any tobacco or nicotine products, including cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco.

Are there designated smoking areas at public venues and airports in Mississippi?

Many public venues and airports in Mississippi have designated smoking areas. However, each venue or airport may have its own policies regarding these areas, so it is best to check in advance.

Are tobacco cessation programs and resources available for residents in Mississippi?

Yes, tobacco cessation programs and resources are available for residents in Mississippi. The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) offers a quitline as well as several other tobacco-cessation resources. The MSDH quitline provides telephone counseling on topics such as nicotine replacement therapy, stress management, and coping skills. The Department also offers a free tobacco cessation class for individuals interested in quitting. Other resources provided by the MSDH include the Mississippi Tobacco Quitline website, a quit guide, and a toll-free number for individuals seeking additional resources.

Do local municipalities have the authority to set their own tobacco regulations in addition to state laws in Mississippi?

No, local municipalities in Mississippi do not have the authority to set their own tobacco regulations. The Mississippi Department of Health is solely responsible for setting and enforcing state tobacco laws.

Are there age verification requirements for purchasing tobacco and nicotine products online in Mississippi?

Yes, Mississippi requires age verification for online sales of tobacco and nicotine products. All retailers must verify the age of any customer purchasing tobacco and nicotine products online by checking the customer’s photo ID to ensure they are at least 21 years old.

Can I grow my own tobacco plants for personal use in Mississippi?

No, it is currently illegal to grow your own tobacco plants in Mississippi for any purpose. Any tobacco grown in Mississippi is subject to inspection and taxation by the Mississippi Department of Revenue.

Do state laws regulate the sale of nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) like nicotine gum and patches in Mississippi?

No, state laws do not regulate the sale of nicotine replacement therapies in Mississippi. However, it is advised that individuals consult their healthcare providers before using NRTs.

What is the legal age for purchasing tobacco and nicotine products on Native American reservations in Mississippi?

The legal age for purchasing tobacco and nicotine products on Native American reservations in Mississippi is 18.

Are there restrictions on the sale of single cigarettes or small cigar packages in Mississippi?

Yes, the sale of single cigarettes or small packages of cigars is illegal in Mississippi. According to Mississippi Code Annotated Section 97-32-93, it is illegal to sell, purchase, possess, or accept any individual cigarette or package containing fewer than twenty (20) cigarettes. It is also illegal to sell, purchase, possess, or accept any package containing fewer than five (5) little cigars or cigarillos.

Do state laws address the disposal of tobacco and nicotine product waste, such as cigarette butts in Mississippi?

Yes. In Mississippi, there is a statewide ban on the disposal of tobacco and nicotine product waste in any public place, including roads, sidewalks, parks, beaches, and outdoor recreation areas. The ban applies to all forms of tobacco and nicotine product waste, including cigarette butts, loose tobacco, chewing tobacco, snus, snuff, e-cigarettes, and vape products. Under the ban, disposal of tobacco and nicotine product waste is only allowed in designated containers. Violating the ban is subject to a fine of up to $250.