Shannon Giles, representing Tobacco Free Vape Free Vigo, told the Vigo County Board of Commissioners that Indiana’s recent cigarette tax increase and the organization’s biennial youth tobacco survey could affect local tobacco and vaping use.

"Last Tuesday, the cigarette tax went up $2 per pack," Giles said, adding that represents a $20 increase per carton and proportional increases across other tobacco products. Giles cited public‑health research: "We know from data that a 10% increase in the tobacco tax will reduce adult smoking rates over 3% and youth smoking rates over 6%."

Giles summarized the group’s 2024 Indiana Youth Tobacco Survey results and noted that no Vigo County schools participated in the latest statewide sample. "In 2024, more than 1 in 10 middle school students and 1 in 5 high school students have ever tried tobacco," Giles said, adding that e‑cigarettes remain the most commonly tried product. She said current use (past 30 days) is about 1 in 20 for high school students and 1 in 30 for middle school students in the state sample.

Giles told commissioners the organization is tracking growing use of nicotine pouches among high school students (up to about 5 percent in the cited data) and an increase in vaping non‑nicotine substances, including marijuana extracts and Delta products. She said more than two‑thirds of high school students reported seeing tobacco‑product retail advertising.

To address retail availability, Giles said the group will pilot a program with a locally owned convenience store to stop selling tobacco products and replace them with healthier items covered by SNAP; she said grant money is available to support the pilot. She also said she teaches tobacco‑prevention to ninth graders and will continue that work.

During questions, a commissioner asked Giles about the prospect of marijuana legalization in neighboring states and the effect on Indiana. Giles said legislative efforts this year included many marijuana‑related bills but that political support in Indiana is limited at present. "Even if it's legal, it's not necessarily safe," she said, urging education if laws change.

Giles said she will provide the commissioners with the full survey data for their information. She did not give county‑specific prevalence rates because Vigo County schools were not included in the latest sample.

No formal action was taken; the remarks were made during the meeting's public‑comment period.