North Dakota House Rejects Tobacco Tax Hike, New Mexico Lawmakers Propose Cannabis Tax Freeze

Lawmakers in North Dakota have recently rejected proposals to increase taxes on tobacco products, specifically a Senate bill that aimed to raise cigarette taxes by 25 cents and impose additional taxes on vaping products, with concerns that such increases disproportionately affect lower-income individuals. In New Mexico, legislation is underway to prevent an automatic increase in cannabis taxes, which could push prices beyond 25%, potentially driving consumers to the illicit market. Meanwhile, Kentucky is advancing Senate Bill 100, aimed at cracking down on the illegal sale of nicotine products to minors by requiring retailers to obtain licenses and face penalties for violations. Additionally, a bill in another state proposes a tax on disposable and refillable vape products while restricting unapproved items to mitigate youth access. Supporters of these bills emphasize the need for health protections and regulatory oversight, while opponents argue that such taxes and restrictions may not effectively deter usage and could harm legitimate businesses. The varied approaches highlight the ongoing debates surrounding taxation and regulation of tobacco and cannabis products across different states.