“It's easier to stay out than to go out. » Simple and to the point, Mark Twain conveys the struggle and conflict that quickly arises when smoking cigarettes. Cigarettes have been in high demand in American society since the mid-20th century, primarily due to their ability to temporarily relieve stress and relax the human body and mind. Additionally, nicotine, the main psychoactive chemical in tobacco and found in cigarettes, is highly addictive. Cigarettes have been linked to various illnesses, health problems and deaths. As a result, the government gradually increased cigarette taxes in order to reduce demand for cigarettes and increase tax revenue. Today I will discuss the pros and cons of cigarette taxes, what effects they cause, who is affected, what tax money is used for, and whether it is consistent with the desired demand reduction effect. State governments view cigarette tax increases as a “win-win” situation. States often find themselves in serious budget crises, and taxes help them balance the budget while providing an essential public service that decreases demand for such an unhealthy product. This tax is very effective in preventing cigarette smoking, particularly among young people in our country. Every ten percent increase in cigarette prices reduces youth smoking by about seven percent and total cigarette consumption by about four percent. Since tobacco is so addictive, the best strategic plan is to prevent cigarette use altogether. The majority of Americans support increasing taxes on cigarettes. National and state polls have repeatedly shown that Americans support tobacco tax increases. Many Americans would prefer to raise tobacco taxes...... middle of paper...... Travel, weather, entertainment, sports, technology, US and world - USATODAY.com. Internet. April 21, 2012. .McMahon, Patrick. "USATODAY.com - States consider cigarette tax hike." News, travel, weather, entertainment, sports, technology, USA & world - USATODAY.com. January 13, 2002. The web. April 21, 2012. “The Smoking Scoop: The Facts.” The scoop on smoking :: Home. Internet. April 21, 2012. “Security Alert.” Save on About.com. Internet. April 21, 2012. “Security Alert.” Save on About.com. Internet. April 21. 2012. .