Since Smoke-Free CHOICE began, our advocates have helped build a nationwide movement dedicated to protecting access to smoke-free nicotine products for adults who smoke.
This report highlights the incredible progress we’ve made together — and the momentum we continued to build during the first half of 2026.
advocates engaged
letters sent to lawmakers
powerful personal video storyteller submissions
Every advocate who sent a letter, signed a petition or shared a personal experience helped lift our voices and ensure lawmakers heard directly from the people most affected by these policies.
Behind every number is someone whose life has been impacted by smoke-free nicotine products.
The hundreds of personal stories shared with Smoke-Free CHOICE have helped policymakers understand why protecting access matters to adults working to move away from cigarettes.
Here are just a few of their voices:
“Nicotine pouches [have] really helped me. [They] helped my father and I think [they’re] going to help a lot of other people throughout the nation.”
“Access to the smoke-free nicotine products, such as nicotine pouches is important to our nation’s health.”
“The smokeless nicotine products saved me from dying with a cigarette in my mouth.”
Because advocates like you shared your experiences, Smoke-Free CHOICE was able to bring these stories directly to policymakers, including through video advertising in Washington, D.C., encouraging members of Congress to support continued U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reform and adult access to smoke-free nicotine products.
The first half of 2026 has been filled with major victories for Smoke-Free CHOICE advocates across the country. Thanks to thousands of people who spoke up, shared their stories and contacted lawmakers, access to smoke-free nicotine products was protected in six states.
After two years of dedicated advocacy, supporters encouraged lawmakers to establish a lower tax rate for heated tobacco products than cigarettes.
Their persistence paid off. Both states passed legislation creating a more favorable tax structure for heated tobacco products, helping keep these smoke-free options more affordable for adults who smoke.
When legislation threatened to increase taxes on smoke-free nicotine products by 75 percent, advocates quickly mobilized, contacted Governor Mike Dunleavy and urged him to veto the bill.
He did. The governor’s veto protected access to smoke-free nicotine products for adults across Alaska.
When lawmakers introduced proposals that would have increased taxes on smoke-free nicotine products, advocates across all three states made their voices heard. They contacted lawmakers, spoke out against these harmful proposals and fought to protect adult access to smoke-free nicotine options.
Their efforts paid off. None of these bills became law.
These victories belong to the thousands of advocates who signed petitions, contacted lawmakers, shared personal stories and refused to let their voices go unheard.
We’re proud of everything Smoke-Free CHOICE advocates have accomplished so far in 2026 – and we’re excited to keep building on that success together.
