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

Kansas, U.S.: Attorney General issues alert on China-made “smart vapes” targeting children
Kansas, U.S.: Attorney General issues alert on China-made “smart vapes” targeting children
On Jan. 10, Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach issued a consumer alert warning Kansans about dangerous vaping products from China marketed as “smart vapes.” The alert says these devices let children use games, social media, Bluetooth, music and more while simultaneously inhaling unregulated materials, and describes them as designed to entice teens and conceal their nature from parents.
Jan.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Exclusive | China Releases E-Cigarette Regulatory “Status Report”, First Comprehensive Disclosure of Oversight Framework and International Cooperation
Exclusive | China Releases E-Cigarette Regulatory “Status Report”, First Comprehensive Disclosure of Oversight Framework and International Cooperation
As 2025 draws to a close, China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration has released a white paper–style “Status Report” on e-cigarette regulation, systematically outlining its oversight framework, enforcement outcomes and international cooperation. 2Firsts provides exclusive in-depth reporting and analysis, offering insight into China’s regulatory logic and governance direction.
Dec.29 by 2Firsts Perspectives
USITC Issues Final Ruling in 337-TA-1392 Investigation, Imposes Limited Exclusion Order and Cease and Desist Orders
USITC Issues Final Ruling in 337-TA-1392 Investigation, Imposes Limited Exclusion Order and Cease and Desist Orders
USITC issues final ruling on oil vaporizing devices, components violating tariff law, with limited exclusion order and cease-and-desist orders.
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Single-Use Vape Ban Bill Sparks Debate in Irish Parliament
Single-Use Vape Ban Bill Sparks Debate in Irish Parliament
A bill seeking to ban the sale of single-use vapes has been introduced to Ireland’s Dáil, with lawmakers citing environmental damage and rising concerns over youth health. Industry representatives have urged full scrutiny of the bill, warning of enforcement challenges and potential loopholes.
Dec.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Azerbaijan Imposes Comprehensive E-Cigarette Ban Covering Import, Export, Sales and Use, Effective April 1
Azerbaijan Imposes Comprehensive E-Cigarette Ban Covering Import, Export, Sales and Use, Effective April 1
Azerbaijan has approved amendments to its tobacco law that introduce a comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes and their components, covering import, export, production, storage, wholesale and retail sales, and use. Nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are classified as tobacco products under the revised framework. The law takes effect on April 1, 2026.
Jan.27 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