New Report Reveals Tennessee Must Establish a Tax on All E-cigarettes to Help Protect Kids From Nicotine Dependence

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

A new report from the American Lung Association urges Tennessee lawmakers to focus on increasing  the state cigarette tax by at least $1 and taxing all other nicotine products, including e-cigarettes at parity. The 2025 “State of Tobacco Control” report evaluates state and federal policies on actions taken to eliminate the use of nicotine products and recommends proven-effective laws and policies to prevent nicotine dependence and protect kids. 

In the 2025 report, Tennessee received the following grades: 

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

“In addition to grading Tennessee’s policies, this year’s ‘State of Tobacco Control’ report examines the industry’s increasingly aggressive actions to addict a new generation to nicotine and hinder proven public policies to prevent and reduce use. Here in Tennessee, we are seeing industry lobbyists at the state and local levels working to stop or weaken proven effective policies. The 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 Shannon Baker, Advocacy Director at the American Lung Association in Tennessee. “In 2025, policymakers in Tennessee must focus on increasing funding for youth tobacco prevention and quit smoking programs; increasing the cigarette tax by $1.00 and taxing all vapor products at parity; and, requiring all tobacco retail businesses to obtain licenses, provide for and fund specific enforcement measures, and establish a meaningful penalty structure for underage sales violations.”

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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