Overview

• 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.