New Report Reveals Michigan Must Focus on Enhancing Tobacco Sales Statutes to Reduce Youth Tobacco Use

American Lung Association “State of Tobacco Control” report releases Michigan grades for tobacco control policies, outlines steps to reduce burden of tobacco

A new report from the American Lung Association urges Michigan lawmakers to focus on enhancing tobacco sales statutes to reduce the overwhelming human and financial burden of tobacco use. The 2025 “State of Tobacco Control” report evaluates state and federal policies on actions taken to eliminate tobacco use and recommends proven-effective tobacco control laws and policies to save lives. 

In the 2025 report, Michigan received the following grades: 

  • Funding for State Tobacco Prevention Programs – Grade F
  • Strength of Smokefree Workplace Laws – Grade C
  • Level of State Tobacco Taxes – Grade D
  • Coverage and Access to Services to Quit Tobacco – Grade D
  • Ending the Sale of All Flavored Tobacco Products – Grade F

“In addition to grading Michigan’s tobacco control policies, this year’s ‘State of Tobacco Control’ report examines the tobacco industry’s increasingly aggressive actions to addict a new generation to tobacco and hinder proven public policies to prevent and reduce tobacco use. Here in Michigan, we are seeing tobacco industry lobbyists working to stop or weaken proven tobacco control policies. The tobacco industry is also introducing new products that appeal to youth like e-cigarettes that mimic smartphones, kid-friendly flavors and flavored nicotine pouches that are heavily marketed by social media influencers,” said Kezia Ofosu Atta, Director of Advocacy at the American Lung Association. 

“In 2025, policymakers in Michigan must focus on passing legislation to license all tobacco retailers, including e-cigarette retailers and end ineffective purchase, youth and possession (PUP) penalties on youth.”

During the final days of the 2024 legislative session, both chambers enacted legislation to license tobacco retailers and remove PUP penalties on youth.  

“Licensure is critical for state enforcement of tobacco policies that prevent young people from accessing tobacco products and this common-sense and effective policy should be a top priority of the legislature in 2025. Further, we must end penalties on youth for purchase, use and possession of tobacco products as this shifts blame away from the tobacco industry and retailers on to youth who have become addicted to their products.  These ineffective penalties undermine proven prevention strategies and should be eliminated,” said Atta.

Get involved and help the mission of the American Lung Association. The Fight For Air Climb in Detroit is coming up on May 4. Learn more at ClimbDetroit.org.

State grades in “State of Tobacco Control” reflect actions taken by elected officials and do not reflect on the hard work of state tobacco control programs or advocates.

For more information, contact:

James A. Martinez
(312) 445-2501
[email protected]

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