The official stats on smoking exclude the black market and greatly understate smoking rates.
I understand the urge to reduce smoking. I find it weird that prices are so high because I think it encourages a black market. Black markets are somewhat dangerous, as there aren't the quality controls in place. The other option seems to be to switch to nicotine gums most of the time, which carry their own health risks.
I find it even more appalling considering the dismal rates at which people actually succeed dropping the habit, which is something like 6%. For those already smoking, it might seem hopeless. I support some tax on them, even though I smoke, but I wish they'd save the highest price at least until we are better equipped to handle the addiction part of it.
https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2017/01/23/a-third-of-ci...