As the Utah State Legislature considers a bill to increase the state tobacco tax, a new poll released Wednesday by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), finds two-thirds of likely Utah voters support raising tobacco taxes.
71 percent say they would support increasing the cigarette tax with generated revenue going towards funding programs for public health, youth tobacco prevention, and helping those who smoke quit. 74 percent also support increasing taxes on all other tobacco products such as smokeless tobacco, cigars, e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
The majority of those polled were intrigued by the potential public health benefits of raising taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products, as well.
According to estimates, raising the cigarette tax by at least $2 per-pack would save over $115 million in long-term health costs, generate more than $33 million in new state revenue, prevent more than 2,500 Utah children from smoking, and prevent approximately 2,100 deaths from smoking-related illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and lung disease.
Smoking continues to be the leading preventable cause of death in Utah and is attributed to more than 15 percent of cancer deaths in the state, $630 million in annual health care costs, including $135 million in Medicaid costs.
“The result of this poll sends a clear message to state lawmakers,” said Brook Carlisle, ACS CAN Utah Government Relations Director. “Utahns see tobacco use as a problem that threatens the health of future generations. Supporting HB 337 means protecting the future of our children and letting Big Tobacco know they are not welcome in our state. Saving lives shouldn’t be a partisan issue.”
According to the poll, increasing the tobacco tax has bipartisan support with a majority indicating they would be more likely to support a candidate for political office if that candidate supported a significant increase in state tobacco taxes.
HB 337 is currently being considered by the Utah State Senate and is expected to be voted on before the legislative session ends this week. The measure was passed by the Utah House of Representatives by a vote of 47-20 in February.
The poll was conducted by Y2 Analytics from January 17-19, 2026, and surveyed 828 likely Utah voters.
Poll Results:
