The alternatives have a similar taste, packaging and marketing. Anti-smoking activists say this is a way to get around state and federal bans.

Indiana scored failing grades in most categories included in the State of Tobacco report 2024 by the American Lung Association.

The annual State of Tobacco Control Report assesses state and federal policies to reduce tobacco use. Indiana received a C or below in all five areas.

E-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among Indiana high school students. Twenty percent of high school Hoosiers reported e-cigarette use in 2021.

The federal government recently raised the smoking age to 21 to help curb teen vaping. Some are applauding the decision as a win for public health. Others worry it was a knee-jerk reaction.

Just a few weeks ago, some Midwest state legislatures were aiming to raise the legal age for smoking. But Congress moved first, setting a new national age limit of 21.

The bill imposes penalties on retailers who sell smoking or vaping products to anyone under 21. But it eliminates existing fines for anyone underage from possessing those products.

The CDC says smoking is the leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths. But research shows most smokers don't quit -- even while battling cancer.

A new report finds Indiana spends just over 10 percent of the CDC's recommended amount on cessation and prevention programs.

Indiana's smoking rate is among the highest in the nation. More than 21 percent of Hoosiers smoke, and that rate has remained stagnant in recent years.