Kool and the Gang

Senate Passes FDA Tobacco Bill

Historic Measure Limits Ads, Packaging; Smokeless Products Affected

"The regulations also require makers to pull from the market products that were introduced after February 2007, which could hurt some dissolvable tobacco pellets and strips. Some snus products will likely be exempt because similar pouches were on sale before that date.

This bill "could significantly chill the introduction or commercialization of new tobacco products that have significantly lower risks than cigarettes," said Tommy Payne, a Reynolds spokesman.

The new ban on candy- and fruit-flavored cigarettes isn't expected to have a big financial impact. Menthol cigarettes are initially exempt from the ban because of demands from the Congressional Black Caucus. About 75% of African-American smokers buy menthol brands.

The FDA is required to set up an advisory panel that will report within a year on whether menthol should be banned."

This bill disappoints on quite a few levels. First and most obvious, regulations are all pernicious. Second, the prospect of banning fun dissolvable tobacco products like Camel Orbs, and Ariva and Stonewall is just unconscionable. From what I understand they are the future of tobacco. I actually traveled around to a few local gas stations looking for these products as they sounded like fun. When is the last time a tobacco product has inspired such excitement? The answer is never. Next they will be banning exciting and fun beverages like Twisted Tea and Sparks (Oh, wait).

However, I must commend the actions of the Black Caucus in standing up for the rights of Menthol smokers. Where is my Black Caucus?