New smoking ordinance goes into effect in 30 days

From the Rankin Ledger.

Latest Reports

We have just released several new and updated reports.


The 2010 MSU Report, 2010 USM Report, and 2010 UM Report. Among the highlights, each of these studies found that the majority of undergraduate students believe that smoking should not be permitted anywhere on campus.


On that note, our latest fact sheet reveals that over 500 universities across the U.S., including Delta State University and the University of Arkansas, have tobacco-free campuses. The current policies of DSU, USM, JSU, MSU, and UM are also described.


We have also updated the Smoke-free Communities in Mississippi Timeline - 38 Mississippi communities have now passed comprehensive smoke-free ordinances. The map of smoke-free communities has also been updated.


Our updated State Rankings report includes the latest data from the American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation. Mississippi currently ranks 31st in protecting its population with 100% smoke-free laws.

Flowood Passes No Smoking Ordinance

Another Mississippi town passes a comprehensive smoke-free ordinance. Currently, almost 20% of the Mississippi population lives in a community with a a comprehensive smoke-free ordinance.

Editorial: Olive Branch considers smoking ban

From the Commercial Appeal

Mississippi College to Become a Smoke-Free Campus

from their website. UMiss has greatly restricted smoking on campus & Delta State has a tobacco-free campus (see out fact sheet). Will other universities follow suit?

Our Latest Fact Sheet

Youth Smoking | 1998-2010

Menthol Cigarettes - Most Popular among Mississippi Youth

Menthol cigarette flavoring helps to promote smoking by "improving" the taste of smoke, and thus decreasing the unpleasantness of early smoking experiences. Research has demonstrated that menthol is more than a flavor -  it makes it easier for youth to initiate smoking (see The Case Against Menthol Cigarettes).


The latest results from the 2010 Mississippi Youth Tobacco demonstrate the popularity of menthol cigarettes among Mississippi youth.

• Among current middle school smokers, 59.5% usually smoke menthol cigarettes
• Among current high school smokers, 69.0% usually smoke menthol cigarettes
• Analyses revealed no statistically significant differences in regular menthol cigarette use across race, grade, or gender.

Although the legislation that authorized the FDA to regulate tobacco also implemented a ban on cigarettes with flavors such as chocolate with the rationale that this will discourage youth initiation, menthol was exempted from this ban and is being considered separately by the FDA.