Governments “Hate” Big Tobacco—Yet Hand Them the Nicotine Market
June 18, 2025 by filtermag.org
Governments “Hate” Big Tobacco—Yet Hand Them the Nicotine Market
Despite governments' public denouncement of Big Tobacco and promotion of a smoke-free future, their policies often favor the tobacco industry, limiting competition from safer nicotine products. Laws like Arkansas' vaping ban and the UK's restrictive Tobacco and Vapes Bill hinder harm reduction efforts and innovation. Such regulations, influenced by tobacco lobbying and misinformation, paradoxically benefit cigarette companies. By stifling alternative options, governments trap millions of smokers. Instead, supporting harm reduction, fostering competition, and embracing innovation could truly combat smoking's harms. Policies restricting safer choices maintain cigarettes' dominance, contradicting public health intentions. Prioritizing practical harm reduction strategies over outdated approaches is crucial for reducing tobacco's deadly grip.
