The Effects of Traditional Cigarette and E-cigarette Taxes on Adult Tobacco Product Use

Michael F. Pesko

Charles Courtemanche
University of Kentucky

Johanna Catherine Maclean

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Abstract: We study the effects of traditional cigarette tax rate changes and e-cigarette tax adoption on use of these products among US adults. Data are drawn from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and National Health Interview Survey data over the period 2011 to 2017. Using a difference-in-differences model, we find that higher traditional cigarette taxes reduce adult traditional cigarette use and increase adult e-cigarette use, suggesting that the products are economic substitutes. E-cigarette tax adoption reduces e-cigarette use, with some heterogeneity across groups, and dilutes the own-tax responsiveness of traditional cigarettes.

Published: June, 2019