A new report about the state of tobacco control is out, and Arizona isn’t exactly making the grade.
According to the American Lung Association’s 24th annual “State of Tobacco Control” report, Arizona needs to step up efforts to reduce tobacco use to protect communities. When it comes to funding for state tobacco prevention programs, Arizona once again scored an F — the state has failed in that category every year since 2018.
Funding for Tobacco Free Arizona increased to $22 million in 2026. Still the Lung Association says the state is short of CDC recommended levels. The Lung Association is urging lawmakers to better fund these programs and increase taxes on all tobacco products.
The “State of Tobacco Control” report grades states and the District of Columbia in five areas that have been proven to prevent and reduce tobacco use and save lives. In the 2026 report, Arizona received the following grades:
- Funding for State Tobacco Prevention Programs – Grade F
- Level of State Tobacco Taxes – Grade F
- Strength of Smokefree Workplace Laws – Grade B
- Coverage and Access to Services to Quit Tobacco – Grade D
- Ending the Sale of All Flavored Tobacco Products – Grade F
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Gabriela Ramírez is an investigative reporter who reported the story for the Spanish-language news outlet Conecta Arizona with a grant funded by the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism National Fellowship.
