Discussion:

Sin taxes are known as excise taxes imposed on products or activities that are considered to be harmful to society. (Miracolo, 2021) In my summary, I specifically would like to focus on the effects of sin taxes on tobacco products. "Sin taxes can be effective in reducing consumption of potentially harmful goods, improving population health and generating additional revenue." (Miracolo, 2021) On the positive side of sin taxation on tobacco, these taxes effectively can reduce tobacco consumption by increasing the cost of cigarettes. Young adults continue to smoke at high rates and are at increased levels for CV disease. (Bader, 2011) The increased taxation on cigarettes can lead to reduced consumption and improved public health outcomes especially in the younger population. In addition to lower consumption and better public health outcomes, tobacco prevention and cessation programs through sin taxes are very cost effective. (Tobacco Prevention Program Funding, 2022) The American Lung Association reported that every 10% increase in the price of cigarettes reduces the consumption by about four percent among adults and about seven percent among the youth. (Cigarette & Tobacco Taxes, 2022) Additionally, the revenue raised from sin taxes can be used to fund other healthcare programs or anti-smoking campaigns. However, there are some drawbacks to sin taxes on tobacco. Sin taxes are critiqued to be regressive and disproportionately affect low income individuals who are more likely to smoke and may struggle to afford higher priced cigarettes. To compensate, these individuals can turn to lower quality and cheaper tobacco products that would undermine the public health goal of the taxes.The regressive nature of sin taxes can exacerbate socioeconomic inequalities. (Parktya, 2019) To conclude, sin taxes on tobacco have the potential to reduce smoking rates and improve public health outcomes. I believe there are more pros than cons in this issue but policymakers must carefully consider the implications and the unintended consequences that may arise from these taxes. With references.