The US Senate is preparing to move a bill out of committe that would compel the FDA to regulate cigarettes and, by extension, cigars. I say 'compel' because published reports indicate that the FDA does not want to be put in the position of deciding what would make a cigarette 'safe'.
The only conclusion possible for the FDA is a decision that cigarettes and cigars, as sold today, are unsafe and propose an acute health risk. Once this inevitable conclusion is published, the FDA will be compelled to act to protect the American public from a proven threat to health.
There will be strong, perhaps overwhelming, pressure upon the FDA to order manufacturers to cease the sale and marketing of these tobacco products until the manufacturers can develop one that can be deemed 'safe'. There's nothing on the market today that would conform to that standard. (Tobacco companies have tried to come up with a 'safe' cigarette that doesn't actually burn, but it's never been brought to market.)
Now that the tobacco companies can't ship any new product, what of the product currently on the shelves? It's deadly! The FDA can order a recall.
It's conceivable that most tobacco products, especially our cigars, will be withdrawn from sale.
Does it sound outlandish? Sure it does. Is it within the realm of possibility?
I guess that's up to you to decide.
The only conclusion possible for the FDA is a decision that cigarettes and cigars, as sold today, are unsafe and propose an acute health risk. Once this inevitable conclusion is published, the FDA will be compelled to act to protect the American public from a proven threat to health.
There will be strong, perhaps overwhelming, pressure upon the FDA to order manufacturers to cease the sale and marketing of these tobacco products until the manufacturers can develop one that can be deemed 'safe'. There's nothing on the market today that would conform to that standard. (Tobacco companies have tried to come up with a 'safe' cigarette that doesn't actually burn, but it's never been brought to market.)
Now that the tobacco companies can't ship any new product, what of the product currently on the shelves? It's deadly! The FDA can order a recall.
It's conceivable that most tobacco products, especially our cigars, will be withdrawn from sale.
Does it sound outlandish? Sure it does. Is it within the realm of possibility?
I guess that's up to you to decide.