RJR, whose Newport brand is one of the most popular menthol cigarettes on the market, has been packaging its new cigarettes in blue and green boxes — similar to its menthol predecessors — and aggressively marketing them to menthol smokers.
Luis Pinto, an RJR spokesperson, said the company’s new products don’t violate California state law because they don’t have a distinguishable taste or aroma other than tobacco. He added that the FDA cleared these products for market, and declined to elaborate. Both the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Justice say they’re aware of the new products, but public health doesn’t have the power to enforce the ban and the state attorney general wouldn’t comment on a potential investigation.
“On the proposed federal menthol ban, we strongly believe there are more effective ways to deliver tobacco harm reduction than banning products,” Pinto added. Menthol is a naturally occurring chemical in some plants with a minty flavor. It provides a cooling sensation on the body surfaces it touches, which makes it easier for the user to inhale the burning tobacco.
“People were completely blindsided by it, and they’re trying to figure out what to do,” said Phillip Gardiner, co-chair of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council, a group that advocates to remove flavored tobacco products.
Stop banning shit!!! POTUS
2 years ago their sale was banned here in Germany. Young people used to start smoking menthol cigarettes only.
Who the hell would smoke cigarettes? Do they just want cancer?
Leave people alone already.
Lol. Another gov fail.