MASSACHUSETTS KEY FACTS

In 2015, 29.3% of Massachusetts high school youth reported currently using any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes. Among Massachusetts high school youth, 7.7% reported currently smoking cigarettes.

PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE TO TOBACCO USE IN MASSACHUSETTS

Pharmacies are places where people can receive both medication and health care advice. Tobacco-free pharmacies allow pharmacies to fulfill their primary mission of health promotion. Upon request, Massachusetts provides research, data and analysis, and scientific consultation to communities and pharmacies that want to promote tobacco-free pharmacies. In 2009, Boston and Needham became early adopters of tobacco-free policies for retail outlets with a pharmacy. Removing tobacco sales from pharmacies can change social norms about the acceptability of tobacco use. Additionally, smokers who are trying to quit are not exposed to tobacco products sold from the same place where they are receiving their prescription cessation medication. Since the first two policies in Massachusetts were adopted in 2009, at least 146 jurisdictions in the state have followed suit and adopted tobacco-free pharmacy policies, making Massachusetts a national leader on this issue.

For more information on tobacco prevention and control, visit cdc.gov/tobacco.