Smoking can be an expensive habit, and in California, the prices of cigarettes are among the highest in the United States. The state has implemented several tax increases on tobacco products to discourage smoking and to fund various health programs. In this article, we will discuss the current cigarette prices in California and how they have changed over time.
Current Prices
As of 2021, the average price of a pack of cigarettes in California is around $9.30. However, prices can vary depending on the brand and location of purchase. In some areas, a pack of cigarettes can cost up to $15. The high cost of cigarettes in California is due to the state's high tobacco tax, which was increased in 2017.
Tax Increase in 2017
In 2017, California implemented a $2.00 increase in its tobacco tax, bringing the total tax to $2.87 per pack. This tax increase was approved by voters through Proposition 56 and was intended to fund healthcare programs, including Medi-Cal, California's health insurance program for low-income residents. This tax increase made California's tobacco tax rate the ninth highest in the country.
Historical Prices
Cigarette prices in California have steadily increased over the past few decades. In the 1980s, a pack of cigarettes in California cost around $1. By the 1990s, prices had risen to around $2 per pack. In the early 2000s, prices increased to around $4 per pack. By 2010, prices had risen to around $6 per pack. The tax increase in 2017 brought prices to their current levels.
Effects of High Prices
The high prices of cigarettes in California have had several effects on smoking rates and tobacco use. Research has shown that higher tobacco taxes can reduce smoking rates, particularly among young people and low-income individuals. The tax increase in 2017 was estimated to prevent over 136,000 premature deaths and save over $28 billion in healthcare costs over the next 50 years. However, some individuals may turn to cheaper, illegal cigarettes or other tobacco products to avoid the high costs of legal cigarettes.
Conclusion
Cigarette prices in California are among the highest in the country due to the state's high tobacco tax. The current average price of a pack of cigarettes is around $9.30, but prices can vary depending on the brand and location of purchase. The tax increase in 2017 was intended to fund healthcare programs and reduce smoking rates. While higher tobacco taxes can have positive effects on public health, some individuals may turn to illegal tobacco products to avoid the high costs of legal cigarettes.