I’ve never smoked cigarettes, but I lived with 2-pack-a-day smokers for the first 18 years of my life. When I moved to Portland 4.5 years ago, I commented to several people how few people smoke here compared to the East Coast. It seemed kind of refreshing.
Lately it seems like there are many more smokers around here. More people smoking outside of the restaurants and stores. More people smoking as they wait for the bus. More people smoking in the parking lot at church. More people on smoke breaks at work. More people smoking while they are driving their cars and riding their bikes.
Are there more smokers or was I just blind before?
I cannot help but wonder if there is a correlation between economic status and smoking. As economic stress increases, so does smoking. When the economy is good (and people are in the money) then stress is lower and smoking is lower. When the economy is poor (and people are struggling to make ends meet) the stress is higher and smoking is higher.
I wonder if states are raking in more cigarette taxes right now?
