The Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) of 1987 was a historic legal settlement reached between 46 states and several major tobacco companies. The agreement was the culmination of years of litigation and negotiation and was aimed at addressing the public health crisis caused by smoking, which was responsible for tens of thousands of deaths each year.

Under the terms of the agreement, the tobacco companies agreed to pay a total of $206 billion over 25 years to the states to be used for public health programs and tobacco control efforts. In return, the states agreed to drop all pending litigation against the tobacco companies and to refrain from suing them in the future.

The MSA also included several other provisions aimed at reducing smoking rates and preventing youth from starting to smoke. For example, the tobacco companies agreed to stop marketing to children, to fund anti-smoking campaigns, and to provide funding for research into smoking-related diseases.

The MSA was a major victory for public health advocates and represented a turning point in efforts to reduce smoking rates in the United States. Since its implementation, smoking rates have declined significantly, and the funds provided by the tobacco companies have been used to support a wide range of tobacco control initiatives, such as smoking cessation programs, youth anti-smoking campaigns, and research into smoking-related illnesses.

Despite its successes, the MSA has also faced criticism from some quarters. Some argue that the funds provided by the tobacco companies have not been used effectively, while others contend that the agreement has actually helped to entrench the power of the tobacco industry.

Nevertheless, the MSA remains an important landmark in the fight against smoking, and its legacy continues to shape public health policy in the United States and around the world.