Julia, those very high cigarette taxes in NY have little effect on smoking rates. The only effect of those taxes that has in fact been proven beyond reasonable doubt is that they provide support for international terrorism (terrorist groups buy cigarettes in state with low taxes and sell them on the black market in states with high taxes). And you don't actually have to do anything at all to make smokers pay of treatment of smoking-induced illnesses - just let them (and everybody else) pay for their own treatment. I don't allow anybody to smoke in my house or in my car. Beyond that, I have no problem with people smoking (either tobacco or weed) - it is just none of my business. And IMHO it is none of your business either.