This link shows the benefits of taxation on cigarettes in Minnesota. The benefits shown are an increase in State revenue, less young people starting the habit of smoking, more smokers quitting, and a decrease in cancer. The reason why I posted this article is because unintended consequences are a key theme throughout history and especially in economic history as well. What are some unintended consequences of an increase in cigarette taxes that are not displayed in this article? Is an excessive increase in cigarette taxes a form of prohibition? The basic economic theme of this article is that when the price of cigarettes goes up, the quantity demanded goes down.