Cigarette Taxes Increase Nicotine Intake

Taylor Atchison
Chemistry and Your Future
November 26, 2007
Blog #10
Cigarette Taxes Increase Smoking
This article talks about the taxation of cigarettes. It points out that there are two reasons for taxation. The first is to increase revenue and the second is to increase the health of the people. Interestingly enough the increase of tax only affects the daily consumption of young smokers ages 18-24. The older smokers consume just as many cigarettes. As well, ironically, the amount of tar and nicotine consumption increases as the taxes go up. When cigarettes are more expensive – smokers buy brands with high levels of tar and nicotine to fulfill their intake with fewer cigarettes.
I find this article very informational. One would not think of this correlation but according to statistics it is clear that if one is a smoker – taxes will not stop them from getting their nicotine. It is not the quantity of cigarettes one smokes, it is now the quality. This gives rise to the question of whether we should remain increasing taxes or not. It clearly does not achieve one of the two goals put forth by the government’s intentions. All the taxes do is increase the profit, which will subsequently increase the brands, types, and even technologies of the cigarettes. The good thing that does come from taxes put forth by state and local governments is it takes the money and puts it to a good cause. An example is Portland Oregon. They are trying to pass a bill, which will raise cigarettes 84 cents per pack. Those 84 cents will go to healthcare for children in need. Good things can come from this but it is important that we not interfere with the rights of those who smoke by making it ridiculous.

Farrelly, Matthew. “The compensation behavior of smokers, Taxes, Tar, and Nicotine.” 1998. Rand Corporation. 16, Nov. 2007.