The Biden administration has moved closer to implementing a rule that would limit nicotine levels in cigarettes, with the proposal clearing an Office of Management and Budget review on Friday.
Public health experts are optimistic about the potential impact. Studies suggest significantly reducing nicotine—by as much as 95%—could render cigarettes non-addictive, prompting many smokers to quit or transition to less harmful alternatives like e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches. Dorothy Hatsukami, a tobacco policy researcher, noted that minimally addictive cigarettes have shown promise in helping people quit smoking.
However, critics warn of unintended consequences. Guy Bentley of the libertarian Reason Foundation argued that restricting nicotine levels could effectively ban cigarettes, fueling a black market and benefiting foreign entities. “Biden’s ban is a gift with a bow and balloons to organized crime cartels with it, whether it’s cartels, Chinese organized crime, or Russian mafia. It’s going to keep America smoking, and it’s going to make the streets more violent,” said Rich Marianos, former assistant director of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the current chair of the Tobacco Law Enforcement Network.
The future of the rule remains uncertain given the upcoming change of administration and the likelihood of litigation by industry.