The proposal has already been sent to the White House Office of Management and Budget for final review
The intent to ban the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars was first announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in April 2023. The rationale for this restriction was the potential reduction in morbidity and mortality that could result from the rule.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although the number of smokers has decreased, the number of those who smoke menthol has increased. Scientists believe the menthol flavor attracts new smokers by making cigarettes more addictive.
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CNN reports that at the state level, some states have banned menthol cigarettes years ago: specifically Massachusetts in 2020 and California in 2022. Meanwhile, tobacco companies have already created a potential workaround for any menthol ban by developing a synthetic menthol-like cooling agent. However, the final rule may include language addressing this issue as well.
