A 2012 study assessing the impact of smoking on cognitive decline in early old age found that middle-aged male smokers experienced faster cognitive decline when compared to those who have never smoked
Higher tobacco taxes, which the Legislature has embraced over the years to bolster the state's revenue base, can also create a market for tobacco smuggling, where criminal networks bring cartons of cigarettes from a low-tax state like Virginia to a high-tax state like Massachusetts.
According to the National Cancer Institute at least 250 chemicals found in tobacco smoke are known to be harmful and at least 69 of those have been shown to cause cancer in general, not just breast cancer
Marijuana has possible cancer-causing chemicals, including tar, ammonia, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, cyanide, benzene, and others.
Research claims standardised packaging makes them less appealing and helps reinforce health messages - so cancer charities are backing the plans