As a nurse in Michigan, every day I witness the tragic toll that tobacco products take on our community. The high rates of cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are devastating, with countless lives lost and many more suffering unnecessarily. Tobacco companies have made vast fortunes at the expense of public health, and it is time for Michigan to take a stand.

Consider this: in 2024, Philip Morris USA, the manufacturer of Marlboro cigarettes, generated approximately $25 billion in revenue from cigarette sales in the United States. This staggering figure reflects a stark reality—the widespread consumption of a product that is directly linked to severe health consequences. We are essentially facilitating the sale of poison, only to have its aftermath overwhelm our healthcare system.

Our state has the opportunity to lead the nation by becoming the first to completely ban the sale of tobacco products and cigarettes. By doing so, we would set a precedent for public health policy, prioritizing the well-being of our residents over corporate profits. Such a bold move would not just save lives in Michigan; it would inspire other states to follow suit, amplifying the impact exponentially.

Ending the sale of tobacco products will not be easy, but it is achievable. We propose phasing out cigarette sales over a five-year period, allowing time for retailers to adapt and for public health initiatives to support smoking cessation. This transition would involve collaboration between state authorities, healthcare providers, and communities to ensure support systems are in place for those affected.

This is not merely about restricting sales; it is about envisioning a healthier future where tobacco-related diseases diminish, healthcare costs decrease, and families no longer have to endure the pain of watching loved ones suffer from preventable illnesses.

Join us in this fight to make Michigan a leader in public health reform, protecting the health of our current and future generations by ending the sale of tobacco products. Sign this petition to urge our state legislators to prioritize the health and well-being of our communities over the profits of tobacco companies.