Most Montanans want to make tobacco more expensive to keep young people from developing nicotine addiction. A new statewide poll found that 77% of Montana voters support a $2-per-pack cigarette tax increase, along with new taxes on e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
Out in The Treasure State, residents already have a wide range of addiction treatment options for alcohol, drugs, and nicotine. Nevertheless, deaths and health issues still regularly occur from smoking. Cigarette use claims about 1,600 lives a year in Montana, and each number leaves behind grieving loved ones.
Ergo, the overwhelming support for higher taxes on cigarettes. Montana Kids vs. Big Tobacco coalition and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids surveyed 628 Montana voters in March 2026, with a margin of error of +/- 4 percentage points.
Strong Support Across Party Lines in Montana
Approval held up across the political spectrum. The cigarette tax increase drew overwhelming backing from over three-quarters of Republicans, 85% of Democrats and 69% of independents. Overall, 59% of voters strongly supported taxes on smoking and tobacco products as a way to prevent youth addiction to nicotine.
Tobacco and nicotine taxes were the only taxes a majority of Montana voters strongly favored. By comparison, raising the gas tax drew 22% support and a statewide sales tax drew 23%.
Price Points for Nicotine Addiction
Nicotine is the addictive chemical found in cigarettes, vapes and pouches and the consequences of smoking are well-known. It changes brain chemistry quickly, and addiction often starts in the teen years, when the brain is still developing and most sensitive to it. That early start is exactly why prevention matters.
Common signs of nicotine addiction include needing to use more to feel the same effect, strong cravings, irritability or anxiety when not using, and continuing despite wanting to quit. Hanna Deutsch, a pediatrician and American Heart Association Montana volunteer, pointed out that nicotine addiction often starts early, and raising the price is among the clearest ways to reduce use among young people.
Young people have less money, so price increases hit their buying decisions hardest. Heidi Low of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids reported the findings show voters understand how tobacco companies market to young people to keep them hooked, and that higher taxes work to reduce use and prevent lifelong addiction.
Addiction Treatment in Montana and Beyond
If you or a family member wants to quit nicotine or any other substance, help is available locally. Quitting nicotine is hard precisely because the addiction is real, and support improves the odds. Other states have already moved to ban tobacco use among kids. Montana now takes a step to join them.
You can take action as well. To find verified treatment centers across Montana or anywhere else in the country, simply browse our listings. Or, feel free to chat with a specialist for local options by dialing
800-681-1058
(
Sponsored)
.