“So now as far as I know, one can no longer buy tobacco products online”.
I know one woman in Maryland that received a Maryland state tax bill for thousands of dollars. She purchased cigarettes online. It is a similar situation as anyone looking for a better price. Have you ever shopped at Lowes instead of Home Depot for a better price on an item? What is frightening is that the state government received this type of information. For anyone who thinks, “well, I don’t smoke so it doesn’t affect me”... it will come to any item we purchase. Seeds, plants, Ebay purchases, furniture, etc...
Many, many a time. But you are deliberately blurring the line between tax avoidance and tax cheating. Smart shopping is commendable. Tax cheating is NOT a conservative value even if you wrap yourself in the flag when you do it.