New report gives Mississippi a low grade for its tobacco laws

The American Lung Association released its annual State of Tobacco Control report today. It grades all of the states in five categories based on the legislation and policies that are in place for tobacco usage. The researchers assess if these policies are curbing tobacco usage and lessening the chances of smoke-related illness.

Ashley Lyerly is the Senior Director of Advocacy in the Southeast for the association. She says the tobacco industry brings in a lot of money, and that may be a reason why some states are reluctant to enforce stricter tobacco laws.

"We've seen challenges from the tobacco industry on policy," she said. "I think there's work that can be done to overcome that."

Mississippi received an "F" grade in all categories, which include tax rates on tobacco and smoking restrictions in public places. Most states in the southeast, like Alabama and Louisiana, received similar grades on the report. Lyerly says that multiple age groups are affected by tobacco use.

"The adult smoking rate is about 19.6 percent, which is higher than the national average," she said. "and 27.6 percent of high schoolers are reporting they're actually using tobacco."

The American Lung Association recommends a tobacco tax increase and increasing funding for smoking prevention programs.