CRA Connects With State Lawmakers at the 2026 NCSL Legislative Summit

On July 27th, Cigar Rights of America (CRA), alongside the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) and the Cigar Association of America (CAA), once again co-hosted a cigar reception during the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) annual meeting, held this year in Chicago, Illinois, at The Clayton.

The event provided another valuable opportunity to engage directly with state legislators and legislative staff from across the country on issues affecting the premium cigar industry.

Throughout the evening, CRA connected with lawmakers representing a diverse cross-section of states, including Tennessee, Massachusetts, Arizona, Minnesota, South Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, among others. These conversations provided an opportunity to discuss the unique characteristics of premium cigars, the small businesses and jobs they support, and the growing number of state legislative proposals that continue to threaten the industry.

Across the country, state legislatures continue to consider a wide range of tobacco control measures, including flavored tobacco bans, generational tobacco bans, increased tobacco taxes, shipping restrictions, retailer licensing requirements, and plain packaging proposals.

While many of these measures are primarily aimed at cigarettes and other nicotine products, they are often drafted broadly enough to unintentionally capture premium cigars.

CRA used the reception to emphasize that premium cigars are a distinct product category and should be treated accordingly by policymakers. Our discussions focused on encouraging legislators to adopt thoughtful, evidence-based policies that recognize the differences between premium cigars and other tobacco products while considering the economic impact these proposals can have on premium cigar manufacturers, retailers, and adult consumers.

CRA appreciates the continued partnership of PCA and CAA in hosting this annual event and thanks the many legislators and legislative staff who took the time to meet with us. Building and maintaining these relationships remains an important part of our state advocacy efforts, and we look forward to continuing these conversations in state capitols across the country going into the 2027 legislative year.

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