Tobacco Cessation Plan Possession Limits and Details

On Friday, April 1, 2011 the Department of Corrections began initiating the Tobacco Cessation Initiative to ensure all facilities are tobacco free by September 30, 2011. The decision to eliminate smoking and tobacco use was made to reduce the medical cost associated with exposure to tobacco, and eliminate second hand smoke exposure to non-smokers.

During the first week, the Department will be initiating the campaign. Any inmates interested in a cessation program should contact Institutional Health Services. Trans-dermal nicotine patches via a 14 day supply will be offered for sale in the canteens for $34.99 prior to May 1, 2011. Inmates should consider starting the cessation program as soon as possible as no tobacco items will be sold after September 2, 2011.

The Department will gradually reduce the possession limits over the next six months, as detailed below. Possession of these items in excess of these established limits will result in disciplinary action.

Possession Limits

• April 1 – May 12
  • 10 packs of cigarettes, 10 packs of loose smoking tobacco, 10 cans of smokeless tobacco, 1 lighter, 10 packs of papers, and 70 cigars.
• May 13 – June 23
  • 5 packs of cigarettes, 5 packs of loose smoking tobacco, 5 cans of smokeless
    tobacco, 1 lighter, 5 packs of papers, and 35 cigars.
• June 24 – August 4
  • 2 packs of cigarettes, 2 packs of loose smoking tobacco, 2 cans of smokeless
    tobacco, 1 lighter, 2 packs of papers, and 10 cigars.
• August 5 – September 30
  • 1 pack of cigarettes, 1 pack of loose smoking tobacco, 1 can of smokeless
    tobacco, 1 lighter, 1 pack of papers, and 5 cigars.
• After September 30, 2011
  • Possession of tobacco products or lighters will result in disciplinary action.

Click here for a printable notice.