Failing or Passing? Michigan’s 2025 Tobacco Control Report Card Is In

Obviously federal and state governments are required to follow rules and regulations, and there are several ways to gage how well they are being followed. But did you know that each state gets a report card from The American Lung Association?

The ALA just released The 2025 State of Tobacco Control Report which gives the government an incredibly detailed overall and state-by-state report. There are currently. 36 million adult smokers nationwide, and among middle and high school kids is down to 2.25 million the lowest in 25 years according to Harold Wilmer, the American Lung Association's CEO and President.

States with the most adult smokers

• 20.4% - West Virginia
• 17.4% - Kentucky
• 17% - Tennessee
• 15.8% - Oklahoma
• 15.7% - Louisiana

States with the least adult smokers

• 6% - Utah
• 8.4% - Connecticut
• 8.5% - California
• 9% - Hawaii
• 9% - Washington

While Michigan isn't in the top five on either of those lists, we tend to lean more toward the more adult smokers side with 13.6% statewide.

Does Michigan make the grade?

Each state is graded by the following:

• Tobacco Prevention and Funding
• Smoke-Free Air
• Tobacco Taxes
• Access to Cessation Services
• Flavored Tobacco Products

Based on that criteria Massachusetts, California and Washington D.C. had the best collective grades. States with nothing but failing grades across the board are Mississippi, Texas, Georgia and Alabama.

When it comes to Tobacco Prevention and Funding and Flavored Tobacco Products Michigan got a failing grade. We achieved a D in both Access to Cessation Services and Tobacco Taxes. But you can breathe a little easier knowing that our grade for Smoke-Free Air is average with a C in this category. Unfortunately our average grade comes out to an E.