New York's cigarette tax is now the highest in the nation as a $1 hike takes effect Friday.

The hike is the first increase since 2010, changing the tax from $4.35 to $5.35 per pack of 20 cigarettes.

Research shows a 10% increase in tobacco prices would be expected to decrease tobacco consumption by 4%, according to the American Lung Association.

Official say the state spends approximately $9.7 billion annually on preventable smoking-related health care costs.