A pack of cigarettes will cost an extra $1.01 aimed at raising money to expand health care for children.

NEWS9 caught Weirton resident James Hill stocking up on his cigarettes Tuesday. In the past few days, he bought about 40 cartons.

For smokers like Hill it adds up. He spends $1,500 a year on his habit.

"But after tonight, it will double. So with everything I bought, I'm getting for half price," said Hill.

So just how long will those 40 cartons last him?

"I hate to say it, but probably not even four months," said Hill.

Hill isn't alone. The cashiers at Gumby's in Weirton said they've been swamped the past few days with customers from all over the tri-state area stock piling their cigarettes -- trying to beat the tax.

"Almost every customer comes in here and asks about it. They’re pretty much buying us out. You can see our racks are pretty much empty," said cashier Trevor Yates.

The added cost has some smokers saying they'll just suck it up. Others, like Hill, said this tax is the incentive they need to kick the habit.

"This is it. It's just getting outrageous," said Hill.

So how does he plan to quit?

"I found this electronic cigarette. It has nicotine in there," said Hill.

He still plans to finish smoking all the cigarettes he bought over the past few days, but with a little help and a little hope he's hoping eventually he'll stomp out the addiction, save money and his life.