Tobacco Industry Lobbyists Influence State Legislatures Across America

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
May.07.2024
Tobacco Industry Lobbyists Influence State Legislatures Across America
Tobacco industry lobbyists infiltrate state legislatures across U.S., with at least 950 representatives pushing for their interests.

According to a recent report by Statnews, the anti-smoking advocacy group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) has found that lobbyists from the tobacco industry have infiltrated state legislatures from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Tallahassee, Florida.

 

The latest version of the "Tobacco Industry Lobbyists and Lobbying Firm Registration Tracking Report" released by the organization states that there are now at least 950 lobbyists representing cigarette, e-cigarette, and snuff companies lobbying in state legislatures across the country. From 2023 to 2024, the number of lobbying registrations related to tobacco companies has increased by over 10%.

 

This data may be underestimated because ASH's overall statistics are based on publicly available lobbying registration data, and some states only require lobbying firms, not individual lobbyists, to register.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Vietnam Decree 371: vaping and heated tobacco use fined up to $190
Vietnam Decree 371: vaping and heated tobacco use fined up to $190
Vietnam’s Government Decree 371, effective December 31, 2025, stipulates that users of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products will be fined VND 3–5 million (about $114–$190) and required to destroy the products. The decree also provides that individuals who allow use at premises they own or manage will be fined VND 5–10 million (about $190–$380), with fines doubled for organizations.
Jan.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Swedish Match to Revamp ZYN Lineup, Discontinue Four Nicotine Pouch Products in 2026
Swedish Match to Revamp ZYN Lineup, Discontinue Four Nicotine Pouch Products in 2026
According to Swedish Match’s website, the company plans to discontinue four ZYN nicotine pouch products in 2026, spanning different flavors and strength variants, and is directing consumers to existing substitute options.
Dec.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Bangladesh enforces a complete ban on e-cigarettes and emerging tobacco products, with jail and heavy fines
Bangladesh enforces a complete ban on e-cigarettes and emerging tobacco products, with jail and heavy fines
UNB reports that Bangladesh has imposed a complete ban on e-cigarettes, vapes, and other emerging tobacco products as the Smoking and Tobacco Products Use Control (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 has come into effect.
Jan.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Special Report|Russia scales back anti-vaping drive, limits ban to single-region trial
Special Report|Russia scales back anti-vaping drive, limits ban to single-region trial
After months of debate, Russian lawmakers have retreated from plans for a nationwide vaping ban, opting instead for a single-region pilot. The shift reflects pressure from business groups and fiscal authorities, amid warnings that sweeping prohibitions could fuel illegal trade while undermining efforts to regulate the market.
Jan.22
Vape sellers sue to block Texas law banning e-liquids from China and other “foreign adversaries”
Vape sellers sue to block Texas law banning e-liquids from China and other “foreign adversaries”
A group of vape distributors and retailers has sued to block enforcement of a Texas law that criminalizes selling or marketing vape products containing e-liquids made wholly or partly in China or in countries designated as “foreign adversaries” by the U.S. Commerce Secretary. The plaintiffs argue the law violates the U.S. Constitution because only Congress may regulate foreign commerce.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia dismantles illegal vape liquid plant near Moscow; goods worth about $13 million seized
Russia dismantles illegal vape liquid plant near Moscow; goods worth about $13 million seized
Russian authorities say they have dismantled an illegal vape-liquid production site in the Moscow region, seizing four production lines, large quantities of components and finished goods, and substantial cash. The Interior Ministry estimated the seized products’ value at about 1 billion rubles (≈$13 million) and said the operation ran around the clock, producing up to 75,000 units per shift.
Feb.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai