Wesson Student urges tobacco restrictions

Special to Wesson News

Mary Murphy Brady

An eleventh grade homeschool student is urging Mississippi lawmakers to heed the recent “State of Tobacco Control” report of the American Lung Association on the impact of federal cuts to tobacco prevention efforts.

The report graded each state and Washington, D.C., on five areas proven to prevent and reduce tobacco use, including efforts to end the sale of flavored tobacco products. Mississippi received an F for a lack of progress in this area.

“I know all too well what tobacco use can do to a family,” says Wesson’s Mary Murphy Brady. “My grandmother was the 2025 American Lung Association Lung Force Hero and shared my grandfather’s story of tobacco and lung cancer. After his passing, I became an advocate working to prevent tobacco use and vaping, especially among teens.”

Brady says more than 2.25 million middle and high school students use tobacco products, and 90% of them use flavored products. According to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey, e-cigarettes are the most common tobacco product among kids, with nicotine pouches ranking second. Both products are available in many flavors that appeal to youth. In Mississippi, 18.5% of high school students use at least one tobacco product, according to the “State of Tobacco Control” report.

“As a youth advocate for stronger tobacco control policies, I urge Mississippi lawmakers to end the sale of all flavored tobacco products to protect the health and safety of our youngest residents,” says Brady.

Brady encourages the community to learn more and take action at Lung.org/sotc.