Colorado Cigarette Tax Leads to Statewide Decrease in Smoking

By Alison Gonzalez

Published on September 24, 2007

According to Gov. Bill Ritter, the percentage of Coloradans who smoke has dropped to 18 percent in 2006 from 22 percent in 2001. Consequently, Colorado rose in rank from 14th in the nation to ninth for fewest smokers.

Ritter attributed the smoking decrease to the increase in cigarette taxes that was approved by voters back in 2004. He said the tax increase, which raised the tax on a pack of cigarettes from 20 cents to 80 cents, has given the state more money to spend on education and awareness, which has helped convince more people to stop lighting up.

Taxes also rose on pipe tobacco, cigars, and other smoking merchandise.

Tobacco use is a leading cause of many health problems, such as lung cancer and emphysema. An estimated 16,000 Coloradans die each year from health problems associated with tobacco use.

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