Every year, the American Lung Association (ALA) examines five categories in its State of Tabacco Control report: Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Funding, tobacco taxes, Smoke-Free Air, Tobacco Taxes, Access to Cessation Services and Flavored Tobacco Products.
Advocacy Director Kesa Bruce tells KNX News' Nataly Tavidian - California's report card looks good but could be better.
"So, the two C grades were in tobacco prevention and control program funding. We also received a C when it came to the two tobacco taxes," said Bruce.
For Smokefree Air and Access to Cessation Services, California received an A. For Flavored Tobacco Products, a B.
Bruce said while there is always room for improvement, the state has been working hard to address its issues.
"We've had legislation introduced in the past that banned most of the flavored tobacco products, which is why California received a B grade," she said, adding, "There's always the opportunity to continue to keep our youth from becoming addicted. And also just making sure that we have proper investments and the ability for people to quit and to have access to those programs."
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Bruce says on the federal level, they're urging the Biden administration to finalize the rule on menthol-flavored cigarettes and flavored cigars, a ban the FDA has been exploring for more than a decade.
The CDC says California should be spending $347 million to prevent tobacco use.
If you would like to see how California's regulation on smoke stacks up to other states, visit the ALA website here.
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