Iowa Governor Proposes Smoking Tax Hike

Reynolds cites high lung cancer rates as reason for new taxes on cigarettes and vaping products.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has proposed raising the state tax on a pack of cigarettes to the national average of just over $2 per pack. She is also recommending a 15% tax on vaping products and consumable hemp products. Reynolds says these tax hikes are aimed at addressing Iowa's high rate of lung cancer, which state researchers have found includes more cases of late-stage lung cancer compared to other states.

Why it matters

Smoking and vaping have been linked to increased rates of lung cancer and other health issues. By raising taxes on these products, Reynolds hopes to discourage their use and improve public health outcomes in Iowa, which has struggled with high cancer rates.

The details

Reynolds invited University of Iowa researchers to present preliminary data on factors contributing to Iowa's high rate of new cancer cases. The researchers found that Iowa has more cases of late-stage lung cancer compared to other states. In response, Reynolds is proposing to raise the state tax on a pack of cigarettes to the national average of just over $2. She also wants to implement a 15% tax on vaping products and consumable hemp products.

  • On Thursday, University of Iowa researchers presented their preliminary cancer study findings to Reynolds in Des Moines.
  • Reynolds has called for the new taxes on cigarettes, vaping, and hemp products to be implemented.

The players

Kim Reynolds

The Governor of Iowa who is proposing new taxes on smoking and vaping products.

University of Iowa

A state university whose researchers studied cancer rates in Iowa and found higher instances of late-stage lung cancer compared to other states.

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What they’re saying

“We must do more to address Iowa's troubling cancer rates, and these new taxes are a key part of that effort.”

— Kim Reynolds, Governor of Iowa (kscj.com)

What’s next

The Iowa state legislature will need to approve Reynolds' proposed tax hikes on cigarettes, vaping, and hemp products.

The takeaway

Iowa's high cancer rates, particularly for lung cancer, have prompted the governor to propose new taxes aimed at discouraging smoking and vaping. This is part of a broader effort to improve public health outcomes in the state.