Right now, North Carolina's increased cigarette tax (30 cents a pack) is doing exactly what it's supposed to do: indications are that sales, particularly to teenagers, are down, and tax revenue is up. Tobacco interests doubtless wish they could return to the good old days of a nickel a pack, but that's not going to happen.

The truth is, the state's tax remains below the national average of $1 a pack, and lawmakers should consider another increase when they come back to town next year. Consider that an extra $110 million has been raised since the tax hike went into effect, and then consider all the money that's been left on the table for years and years because lawmakers simply didn't want to touch the tax.

Yes, North Carolina has been a "tobacco state," with both farming and manufacturing important to the state's economy. But the debate over health issues was long ago lost by cigarette companies, and they know it -- which is why so many of them have diversified their financial interests.

While North Carolina farmers have been a distinct and important part of the state's history and culture, and we would be all the poorer should their numbers diminish, many of them have begun to accept the fact that long-term survival may have to take the place of short-term profits. The state should help them in any transition, of course.