Learn the Facts

The Problem

  • Michigan lags behind other states when it comes to protecting kids and communities from the dangers of smoking and tobacco. 

  • Tobacco use is a critical public health issue in Michigan with addictive and dangerous products fueling a serious youth tobacco and nicotine problem. 

  • Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in our country, and Michigan needs to get serious about tobacco prevention. 

  • Tobacco use kills 16,200 Michiganders each year, according to the CDC — more than drug overdose, alcohol, auto accidents, murders, suicides, and HIV combined. 

  • 14% of Michigan high schoolers use e-cigarettes, according to the CDC.

  • Michigan spends less than 2% of the CDC’s recommended spending on tobacco prevention programs, while the tobacco industry spends $300 million a year to market their products to our youth.

  • Over the last three years, 26% of Michigan tobacco retailers failed federal compliance checks and sold to kids.

  • 95% of youth who attempted to buy e-cigarettes were not turned away because of age, according to the 2023 Michigan Youth Tobacco Survey.

  • Michigan is one of only 10 states that does not require tobacco retailers to purchase a license. We know kids are easily gaining access to addictive tobacco products at neighborhood stores because so many retailers are failing federal compliance checks. 

  • Michigan voters agree: A statewide survey shows that Michigan voters strongly support a comprehensive legislative plan to reduce tobacco use in the state. Two-thirds of likely voters (67%) support the bill package, with nearly half of voters (48%) strongly in support.

Our Policy Priorities

Michigan needs effective tobacco prevention policies to protect our youth and reduce health disparities. Policy solutions include:

    • Requiring tobacco retailers to be licensed, just like liquor and marijuana retailers, so the state can effectively enforce laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco to minors.

    • Repealing ineffective penalties that punish kids and, instead, hold the companies that profit from tobacco sales accountable.

    • Taxing e-cigarettes and vaping products just like cigarettes and other tobacco products.

    • Investing funding in proven prevention and cessation strategies to reduce youth tobacco use.

Resources/Background