Biden Administration Abandons Proposal to Prohibit Menthol Cigarettes, WSJ Reports

The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that the Biden administration is changing its stance on banning menthol cigarettes, citing sources familiar with the situation.

After weighing the potential public health benefits of prohibiting mint-flavored cigarettes against the political risk of upsetting Black voters in an election year, the administration has decided to reverse its initial plan, as per the report.

The announcement of this decision is expected to come as soon as Friday afternoon, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s decision to ban menthol cigarettes was postponed as the Biden administration took the time to discuss the issue with various groups.

The White House and FDA have not responded immediately to requests for comment from Reuters.

Menthol cigarettes make up a significant portion of the tobacco industry’s market share in the United States, accounting for about one-third.

These highly addictive products are known for their appeal to young smokers and have been linked to serious health consequences, particularly in Black communities.

Anti-smoking advocates have long criticized menthol cigarettes for their role in driving disproportionate health disparities in Black communities and enticing young people to smoke.

Civil rights organizations have argued that menthol cigarettes pose a greater risk in Black communities, where they are heavily marketed.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 81% of Black adult smokers use menthol cigarettes, compared to 34% of white adult smokers. (Reporting by Granth Vanaik in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar)