Benefits of higher tobacco taxes

Amendment 72 seeks to raise the tax on tobacco from a mere 84 cents per pack to $2.59 per pack. While this might seem like a big jump, Colorado has not raised taxes on tobacco in more than 10 years. Numerous studies have found that raising taxes on cigarettes saves lives by preventing premature deaths from tobacco-related diseases. It cuts the number of smokers and generates revenue. The World Health Organization states that price is the key determinant of smoking uptake and cessation. Put simply, when tobacco prices go up, consumption goes down. Raising taxes on tobacco is the single most effective way to lower smoking rates and, perhaps most importantly, deter future smokers, specifically youth. In this contentious election season, Amendment 72 deserves bipartisan support, including smokers, most of whom want to quit and certainly want to discourage young people from beginning this fatal addiction.