Lighting Up In California? It'll Cost You More Now

Attention smokers and vapers: Lighting up in California is going to cost you a bit more now thanks to the voter-approved Proposition 56.

Voters approved the proposition in the November election, which increased the excise tax by $2 per pack of cigarettes, to help fund cancer research and anti-smoking programs. The proposition also expanded the definition of "tobacco products" to include electronic cigarettes.

Prior to the proposition's passage, California had one of the lowest excise taxes on cigarettes in the nation. Only 14 states had lower taxes than California on tobacco products, while 34 states had higher taxes, according to a study by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. California is now ranked ninth in the nation, according to the organization.

The new tax rate went into effect April 1. Previously the excise tax on the cigarettes was 87 cents. Nicotine delivery devices, such as e-cigarettes or vape pens, will be subjected to the current tobacco product tax of 27.30 percent of the wholesale price, according to the California Board of Equalization.

E-cigarette accessories, such as batteries, chargers and carrying cases, are not subjected to the tax, the board said.

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Products that are meant to help people quit smoking, such as nicotine patches, are also not subjected to the tax, according to the board.

The money raised by the tax increase will go toward doctors' training, tobacco-use prevention, cancer research and other tobacco-related diseases.

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