Biden Administration Nears Finalization of Menthol Cigarette Ban Amidst Widespread Opposition

The proposed ban on menthol cigarettes, aimed at public health improvement, faces resistance from various groups citing economic and civil rights concerns.

• The Biden administration is on the verge of finalizing regulations to ban menthol cigarettes, a move first proposed by the FDA in April 2022.
• Heavy opposition comes from small businesses, civil rights groups, law enforcement, and free market consumer groups, who argue the ban could foster a black market and disproportionately affect minorities.
• Proponents of the ban, including health advocates, believe it is crucial for achieving goals in President Biden’s 'Cancer Moonshot' initiative, aiming to reduce tobacco-related diseases and deaths.
• Opponents, including the National Association of Convenience Stores, warn of significant economic impacts, with potential sales losses up to $2.16 billion for the convenience store industry.
• The FDA asserts that the ban would reduce youth experimentation and addiction to tobacco, and increase the number of smokers who quit, ultimately reducing preventable tobacco-related deaths.

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