Tobacco use across the country continues to decline, but in states across the south and midwest, progress is slow. The Trump administration and new congress has tobacco interests and anti-smoking groups watching closely.
Despite years of steady declines in smoking nationwide, more than half a million people die every year in the US from smoking related injuries.
David Dobbins, COO of the Truth Initiative says, "It's poor people and people without high education who are smoking now... If you live in a poor area you're 30 percent more likely to be a smoker."
New food and drug administration rules set going into effect next year could have a big impact on tobacco use in the country.
Mark Pursell, who represents cigar and pipe tobacco sellers, say they go too far. "The compliance cost would be overwhelming and wipe out a good chunk of our category." The regulations call for new testing and labeling requirements and ban use of the terms 'low, light and mild' on packaging and advertising.
Pursell adds, "we need a scheme that works that achieves the public health goals but also makes it possible for the businesses to continue."
Smokeless tobacco companies are pushing for the ability to label their products as safer than smoking.
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