Braving the Cold for a Smoke: A Chilly Commitment in ND

It never fails to amaze me—every time I walk into a restaurant, I pass by a few folks huddled outside, braving the elements for a cigarette break. Now, when the weather’s nice, I suppose it’s a decent way to get some fresh air (well, sort of). But when it’s as cold as it’s been lately? Yikes. That’s a whole new level of dedication.

Smoking Stats: West Virginia Leads, Utah Lags Behind

According to the American Lung Association’s latest State of Tobacco Control Report for 2025, about 36 million adults in the U.S. smoke cigarettes—that’s around 12.6% of the population per state, on average. West Virginia takes the top spot for the highest percentage of adult smokers, while Utah sits at the bottom of the list. (Probably not a shocker, considering their lifestyle preferences.)

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Smoking Rates in the Upper Midwest: North Dakota Tops the List

Here in our region, North Dakota reports that 13.3% of adults smoke, just a little above the national average. Montana clocks in at 12%, Minnesota at 12.2%, and South Dakota at 12.1%. So, if you’re standing in a North Dakota blizzard to get your nicotine fix, you’re definitely not alone.

Youth Tobacco Use: A New Generation of Smokers

It’s not just the grown-ups either—2.25 million middle and high school students use tobacco products. Back in the day, you could spot kids trying to sneak a puff behind the school, but now? They’re probably just puffing away on a vape in the back of the classroom.

So next time you see someone shivering outside a restaurant, just know—they’re out there by choice, making a frosty sacrifice for their habit. Maybe buy them a coffee… or at least give them a sympathetic nod as you walk inside to the warm, smoke-free air.