Menthol Cigarettes: The Only Type of Flavored Tobacco Still on the Market Despite Unique Health Risks

It’s important to remember that it was Congress that banned all other flavors of cigarettes except menthol, Erika Sward, national assistant vice president of advocacy at the American Lung Association, told The Epoch Times. “And they did that in the initial law that gave the Food and Drug Administration authority over tobacco products,” she added.

“So [it was] Congress [that] did not act on menthol cigarettes.” In 2011, the FDA’s Scientific Advisory Committee completed an analysis and recommended removing all menthol cigarettes from the market. They should have ended the sale of menthol cigarettes then, Ms. Sward said. The three administrations that have been in office since the recommendation was released have not acted.

During the Trump administration, then FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb tried to move a ban forward but was rebuffed by the White House, Ms. Sward said. 1. May Make It Harder to Quit 2. May Make You Smoke More Often 3. People of Color at Higher Risk 4. Young Smokers Are Less Deterred by Cigarette Harshness These challenges could ultimately end up in court, leading to lengthy legal battles that further delay implementation or could potentially overturn the ban altogether.

Another issue is the potential for a black market peddling illegal menthol tobacco, much like prohibition and the war on drugs did. Besides the health risks potentially associated with buying uncontrolled cigarettes, law enforcement could be ill equipped to tackle the issue. “That is part of his legacy, and the question is, will it be a high spot that he has gone to save black lives, or will this be another failure adding him to the list of Obama and Trump when it comes to non acting on ending the sale of menthol cigarettes?” Ms.

Sward remarked..