Indiana’s cigarette use dropped sharply following a long-awaited tax hike, with consumption falling 40% in the first three months after the increase, according to the Indiana Department of Health. Over the same period, enrollment in the state’s Quit Now Indiana smoking cessation program rose nearly 40%.

“[Cigarette] use impacts, really, every aspect of health,” said Miranda Spitznagle, who leads the Department of Health’s Division of Tobacco Prevention and Cessation. She emphasized that tobacco addiction is “fully preventable.” Spitznagle said raising taxes — and therefore prices — is an effective way to push current smokers to quit and discourage new users. “It’s a huge policy factor for public health,” she added.

Lawmakers approved a $2-per-pack increase as part of House Enrolled Act 1

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