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

From Tamarind’s AI Shift to Industry Restructuring, The ‘Amazon Moment’ for Nicotine Is Approaching
From Tamarind’s AI Shift to Industry Restructuring, The ‘Amazon Moment’ for Nicotine Is Approaching
Tamarind Intelligence’s decision to appoint a technology-sector executive as chief executive officer signals more than a leadership reshuffle at a specialist data firm. It reflects a broader structural shift across the global nicotine industry, where companies, regulators and intelligence providers are embedding artificial intelligence into core operations.
Special Report
Feb.18
Louisiana lawmaker pushes bill to ban vape product sales within 300 feet of schools
Louisiana lawmaker pushes bill to ban vape product sales within 300 feet of schools
A Louisiana lawmaker has introduced HB 302, which would prohibit businesses from selling vapor products within 300 feet of schools. The bill would measure the distance by a person walking on the sidewalk from the nearest point on school property to the nearest point of the business. It would also give the commissioner authority to modify how the distance is calculated, while maintaining the 300-foot limit.
Feb.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Finland’s Ostrobothnia Police Seize Over 6,000 E-Cigarettes in Vaasa Raid, Probe Cross-Border Supply
Finland’s Ostrobothnia Police Seize Over 6,000 E-Cigarettes in Vaasa Raid, Probe Cross-Border Supply
According to a statement from Finland’s Ostrobothnia Police, officers seized more than 6,000 e-cigarettes during a home search in the Haapaniemi area of Vaasa in early January, after the case surfaced in connection with drug enforcement work.Police suspect the products were ordered from abroad for resale in Finland and were marketed and sold via Telegram.
Jan.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Indonesia’s Vape Excise Revenue Rises 7.38% in 2025 to $170.4M Amid Broader Tobacco Excise Decline
Indonesia’s Vape Excise Revenue Rises 7.38% in 2025 to $170.4M Amid Broader Tobacco Excise Decline
Indonesia’s customs data show vape (REL) excise revenue reached Rp 2.84 trillion in 2025 (≈$170.4 million), up 7.38% year over year. The gain came even as overall tobacco excise revenue declined. Minimum retail price benchmarks (HJE) for vape products rose in 2025, while excise rates remained unchanged from 2024; open-system e-liquids accounted for the largest share of revenue.
Jan.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysian police raids across five states: 51 held and over RM1 million in vapes seized
Malaysian police raids across five states: 51 held and over RM1 million in vapes seized
Police in Malaysia detained 51 individuals and seized over RM1 million worth of electronic cigarettes and liquid refills in a five-state operation dubbed “Op E-CIG,” conducted by the GOF Central Brigade on February 10. The report said the operation involved 30 raids across Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Melaka, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. Authorities seized 2,263 vape units and 165.463 litres of liquid.
Feb.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. FDA posts TPSAC meeting materials ahead of discussion on ZYN MRTP applications
U.S. FDA posts TPSAC meeting materials ahead of discussion on ZYN MRTP applications
On January 20, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted meeting materials ahead of a virtual Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) meeting scheduled for January 22, 2026, to discuss modified risk tobacco product (MRTP) applications submitted by Swedish Match USA, Inc. for 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products.
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai