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

2Firsts Observation|PMI Launches IQOS ILUMA i × SELETTI Limited Edition at Dubai Airport
2Firsts Observation|PMI Launches IQOS ILUMA i × SELETTI Limited Edition at Dubai Airport
2Firsts observed that Philip Morris International (PMI) has set up a large-scale IQOS display at Dubai International Airport’s duty-free area, featuring the TEREA tobacco stick series with promotional offers. The brand also showcased its limited-edition collaboration with Italian design house SELETTI — IQOS ILUMA i × SELETTI — further strengthening its premium image through artistic design.
Nov.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Singapore Joint Enforcement Operation Catches 8 Youths for E-Cigarette Offences, Covering 12 Institutes of Higher Learning Nationwide
Singapore Joint Enforcement Operation Catches 8 Youths for E-Cigarette Offences, Covering 12 Institutes of Higher Learning Nationwide
8 youths aged 18-24 were caught for e-cigarette offenses, with enforcement jointly carried out by HSA and IHLs.
Nov.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia’s Vape Market Squeezed by Excise Hikes and Criminal Marking Rules
Russia’s Vape Market Squeezed by Excise Hikes and Criminal Marking Rules
According to Business FM, Russia’s vape and e-liquid supply has tightened since mid-Aug; by early Oct top liquids had largely disappeared and prices rose ~50% vs early summer. Shops cite a two-year excise hike to RUB 44/mL and, from Aug, criminal liability for unmarked goods (large-scale from RUB 100k), prompting withdrawals. Some chains report compliant substitutes. A bill would let regions ban vape sales.
Oct.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kyrgyzstan considers six-month ban on e-cigarette and e-cigarettee-liquid imports
Kyrgyzstan considers six-month ban on e-cigarette and e-cigarettee-liquid imports
According to Kyrgyz media, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce has launched a public discussion on a draft decree proposing a six-month ban on the import of e-cigarettes and nicotine-containing liquids. The measure, based on Article 15-1 of the Law “On Protecting Citizens’ Health from the Consequences of Tobacco and Nicotine Use,” aims to safeguard public health and prevent youth nicotine addiction.
Nov.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Echo Guo: The Accumulating Risks Behind the Surge in Chinese Vape Exports to the U.S.
Echo Guo: The Accumulating Risks Behind the Surge in Chinese Vape Exports to the U.S.
Chinese vape exports to the U.S. jumped from about 2.2 million kg in June to 14.8 million kg in October 2025, despite tougher enforcement, the Washington Examiner reported. 2Firsts finds the surge reflects delayed bulk shipments, not demand recovery. With U.S. inventory exceeding 160 million devices and distributors paying ~10% upfront, cash-flow stress has shifted to Chinese manufacturers, and discounted stock is spilling into other markets.
Dec.14 by Echo Duo
Putin Supports Full Russia-Wide Vape Sales Ban
Putin Supports Full Russia-Wide Vape Sales Ban
Russian President Vladimir Putin gave his backing to a nationwide sales ban on vapes during a visit to Samara and stressed that “it’s not only such a decision that is important, but also the corresponding work among youth.”
Nov.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai