Here’s Why Colorado Received A Big Fat ‘F’ For Tobacco Control

It's commonly known that tobacco causes lung cancer, so why isn't the state of Colorado doing more when it comes to tobacco control?

According to the 2022 State of Tobacco Control by the American Lung Association, the state of Colorado needs to majorly improve its grades when it comes to the harmful substance known as tobacco.

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Colorado's Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Funding

When it comes to state funding for tobacco control programs, Colorado received a grade of 'F'.

Honestly, the numbers are very shameful.

Colorado spends  approximately $23,071,711 in funding for tobacco control programs when tobacco revenue from Colorado is $370,100,000!

The American Lung Association recommends that Colorado use 46.8% of its revenue for funding tobacco control programs, which isn't a number if you ask me.

Colorado Receives Another Failing Grade From the Association

Colorado's tobacco report card doesn't get any better when it comes to flavored tobacco products, achieving yet another "F".

Colorado has no state laws or regulations when it comes to flavored tobacco, which is known to be more appealing to youth and certain minority groups.

" Menthol cigarettes remain a key factor for tobacco-related death and disease in Black communities, with close to 81% of Black Americans who smoke using them. Ending the sale of flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, will not only help end the youth vaping epidemic but will also help address the disproportionate impact of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars on Black and Brown communities,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association.

What Does Colorado Need to Do to Improve ItsTobacco Grades?

The American Lung Association recommends that Colorado does the following:

• Protect and increase funding for tobacco prevention
  and cessation programs;
• Eliminate the sale of all flavored tobacco products;
  and
• Protect and close remaining loopholes in state or
  local smokefree laws.