New Report Shows Michigan Still Failing on Tobacco Prevention Policies
American Lung Association report shows urgent need to better protect kids from addiction
LANSING – Michigan once again received failing grades for its lack of policies to prevent and reduce tobacco use in the American Lung Association’s 24th annual State of Tobacco Control report released last week.
Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in Michigan, claiming the lives of more than 16,170 residents each year.
“With fewer federal protections in place, states need to ramp up their tobacco prevention efforts even more to protect residents from disease and addiction caused by tobacco use,” said Kezia Ofosu Atta, director of advocacy at the American Lung Association in Michigan. “In 2026, policymakers in Michigan must focus on licensing all tobacco retailers, including e-cigarette retailers; eliminating purchase, use and possession laws and preemption of stronger local laws; and passing an e-cigarette tax to establish tax parity across all tobacco products.”
Michigan’s Grades
The report grades states and the District of Columbia in five areas that have been proven to prevent and reduce tobacco use and save lives. In the 2026 report, Michigan received the following grades:
Funding for State Tobacco Prevention Programs – Grade F
Level of State Tobacco Taxes – Grade F
Ending the Sale of All Flavored Tobacco Products – Grade F
Strength of Smokefree Workplace Laws – Grade C
Coverage and Access to Services to Quit Tobacco – Grade D
In response to the report, the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance is urging lawmakers to strengthen policies to limit tobacco use and reduce the number of preventable deaths due to tobacco each year.
“These failing grades show Michigan is still woefully behind in protecting our kids from the dangers of tobacco and addiction,” said Jodi Radke, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids regional director and co-chair of the Keep MI Kids Tobacco Free Alliance. “Let’s make 2026 the year we prioritize our kids’ health and implement stronger tobacco prevention policies in Michigan.”
In 2025, federal tobacco control efforts were significantly weakened, including cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office on Smoking and Health and staffing reductions at the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products. These actions put tobacco prevention and quitline services at risk across the country, making strong state-level action even more critical.
To learn more about this year’s State of Tobacco Control grades and take action, visit Lung.org/sotc
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