2666                                          LAWS OF MARYLAND                                      Ch. 709

chemical known as eugenol, which is a major component of cloves;
and

WHEREAS, Imported    clove cigarettes contain 60 percent

tobacco and 40 percent   cloves, as well as twice as much tar and

nicotine as moderate tar   cigarettes made in the United States;
and

WHEREAS, The sales of clove cigarettes have increased
ten-fold from 1980, from an estimated 15 million cigarettes sold
in 1980 to an estimated 150 million sold in 1984; and

WHEREAS, Many smokers are unaware of the possible lethal
effects of smoking clove cigarettes and consider clove cigarettes
to be a less offensive and safer alternative to conventional
cigarettes; and

WHEREAS, In order to protect the health, welfare, and safety
of all residents of this State, including smokers, this Act
intends to prohibit the sale of clove cigarettes; now, therefore,

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article 27 - Crimes and Punishments

CLOVE CIGARETTES - SALES PROHIBITED

40A.

(A)  A PERSON MAY NOT SELL OR OFFER FOR SALE A CLOVE
CIGARETTE IN THIS STATE.

(B)  A PERSON WHO VIOLATES SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION IS
GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND ON CONVICTION IS SUBJECT TO A FINE OF
$500.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall
take effect July 1, 1986.

Approved May 27, 1986.