FDA Proposes Major Reduction in Cigarette Nicotine

The FDA’s latest proposal to curb smoking by reducing nicotine levels in cigarettes has sparked questions about health benefits and black market risks.

At a Glance

The FDA has proposed a rule to drastically lower nicotine in cigarettes.
Concerns arise about potential black market growth.
The proposal could save lives by reducing nicotine addiction.
Opposition exists from some political quarters.

Proposed Nicotine Reduction

The FDA proposes cutting nicotine to 0.7 milligrams per gram of tobacco from the current average of 17.2 milligrams. This reduction aims to make cigarettes less addictive, encouraging consumers to consider healthier alternatives such as e-cigarettes. The rule applies to cigarette tobacco, pipe tobacco, and cigars, with the exception of “premium” cigars. Manufacturers would have two years to comply upon finalization of the rule. The initiative is seen as a significant stride toward public health improvement.

Such a measure was initially considered during the first Trump administration, though its progress stalled following the departure of former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, who considered the proposal a “tremendous public health opportunity.” Critics, however, are concerned about the potential rise in a black market.

FDA moves to cut nicotine from cigarettes, in plan first floated under Trump https://t.co/lRaJoQa45q

— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) January 15, 2025

Potential Public Health Benefits

The FDA anticipates preventing 48 million Americans from starting to smoke by 2100, citing the long-term public health benefits outweigh potential illicit trade impacts. The plan encourages the current 12% of Americans using combustible tobacco to quit or switch to less harmful options. Smoking causes over 480,000 deaths annually in the U.S., underscoring the urgent need for action.

“The proposed product standard would limit the addictiveness of the most toxic and widely used tobacco products, which would have significant public health benefits for all age groups,” the FDA said.

The FDA has authority to regulate tobacco, granted by Congress in 2009. Yet, tobacco industry legal challenges have historically delayed efforts. These challenges are anticipated again, as tobacco companies express firm opposition to the proposal.

Challenges and Opposition

While anti-smoking advocates stress the importance of implementing the proposal, political opposition and industry lawsuits loom large. Some Republican legislators have attempted to block funding for nicotine limits, citing concerns over consumer freedom and economic impacts. The rule’s future is uncertain, with the transition between presidential administrations adding complexity to the implementation timeline.

The FDA has invited public comments for nine months before proceeding further, signaling a careful yet determined approach to this potentially transformative policy. As smoking rates continue to decline in the U.S., reaching a record low of 1 in 9 adults, the agency seeks to expand this positive trend through targeted regulatory efforts.