Officials hope that a new addition to the Marion health code will deter young adults from becoming addicted to nicotine.

Beginning March 1, those purchasing tobacco or electronic cigarette products in town will have to at least be 21 years old.

The Board of Health unanimously adopted the new regulation on Tuesday night following a public hearing on the issue with no opposition. The decision affects six stores in town.

Marion joins 90 other Massachusetts cities and towns that have adopted similar measures, including Wareham. That town voted to raise the purchase age to 21 on Jan. 20, effective this April.

Cape Cod Regional Tobacco Control Program Director Bob Collett commended the board for its action. He said studies show that young smokers are more likely to become addicted for life.

“We know the brain doesn’t fully develop until the age of 25,” Collett said. “By raising the age to 21 you’re doing a great thing.”

Health board member John Howard, M.D., agreed.

“Adolescent brains are more prone to addiction,” Howard said. “This will hopefully reduce the number of kids who are exposed to tobacco.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, of the 15 percent of those 18 and younger who smoke nationwide, 14 percent usually obtain cigarettes at convenience stores, supermarkets or gas stations.

The new regulation also carries significant fines, said health board member Albin Johnson.

Ordinance fines start at $100 for first time offenders and climb as high as $300 with a 14-day tobacco sales permit suspension for repeat offenders.

“I’ve seen some of the major chains fire the clerk who sold cigarettes to underage buyers,” Johnson said. “The fines are fairly draconian, but effective.”

While the age restriction is the biggest change, there are also provisions that restrict the sale and use of nicotine delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes, in the same manner as traditional tobacco products.

Also, the sale of blunt wraps, which are primarily used by younger customers for rolling and smoking illicit drugs, are banned outright.

Karen Walega, the shared health agent for Marion and Rochester, said local stores will be notified of the change in the weeks leading up to March 1.

Walega said she will approach the Rochester Board of Health with an identical proposal very soon.

Collett said that he has approached Mattapoisett officials about adopting a similar measure recently. However, there are no immediate plans to discuss the change.

“I’ve been talking to Mattapoisett for a couple of years, but it’s been a slow process,” he said.

In addition to the age restriction, board members also approved banning smoking in workplaces and public places.

Affected public areas include: parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, public beaches and all outdoor areas of restaurants and bars.