Tobacco News

Reports are buzzing that Rihanna was caught smoking marijuana at a luxurious hotel in Barbados! According to the site mediatakeout.com, the singer and a group of friends apparently set off the smoke alarms in their posh suite, causing hotel security officials to check her room in response.

Although the police were not called in to investigate the allegation further, word has it that Rihanna has been banned from staying at the hotel in the future.
Ream more »

16-year-old Gossip Girl star Taylor Momsen may really, really, really hate wearing pants, but she does have one love in her life— cancer sticks.

It’s no secret that the actress-turned-singer is a regular smoker, but it seems like she took the underage smoking too far by lighting up during her Pretty Reckless performance at a Sunday show in California! Momsen is currently 2 years from being legally able to buy/smoke cigarettes in California.
Ream more »

Dennis Hopper allegedly smokes pot in front of his six-year-old daughter and once threatened to kill his soon-to-be ex-wife … this according to legal docs in the couple’s divorce.
Victoria Hopper has had legal papers drafted in an attempt to get custody of the couple’s daughter, Galen, plus child and spousal support.
In the docs, Victoria claims Dennis is very sick from his battle with prostate cancer and has been smoking medicinal marijuana … sometimes in front of Galen.
Ream more »

Diego Maradona was forced to stub out his fat cigar but no one could take the smile off his face — or stop him talking — after Argentina’s 3-1 last 16 World Cup defeat of Mexico on Sunday.

The 49-year-old Argentina coach kept a packed media room waiting about 20 minutes before arriving in triumph, literally in a puff of smoke, to josh with reporters and even dedicate the win to the MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi.

The former soccer great had ambled into the room sucking on a newly lit, enormous cigar but was swiftly told to put it out. From then on, though, Maradona held court.
Ream more »

CHICAGO, June 24 — Recently in Chicago, there have been moves to ban electronic cigarettes, more commonly known as e-cigarettes. The Illinois State Senate passed legislation that would have prevented the sale of e-cigarettes, but it was overturned at the Illinois State House. The fact that they were almost banned – as they are in Missouri and Illinois – has upset people on both sides of the issue.
For those who are against electronic cigarettes, the legislation being stopped was a bad thing because of safety concerns surrounding electronic cigarettes. While there are currently no regulations in place for electronic cigarettes, some people say no regulations are needed and that e-cigs are safer than traditional cigarettes.
Ream more »

To allow the statewide smoking ban to become the law of Kansas on Thursday would violate the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution and the Kansas Bill of Rights, an attorney representing a club in Tonganoxie said.
Blocking the statewide smoking ban against smoking in enclosed public spaces would be bad for your health, an assistant attorney general has countered.
Today, Shawnee County District Court Judge Franklin Theis will hear arguments from the assistant attorney general and five businesses seeking to dismantle the law before it hits the statute books Thursday. Legal arguments before Theis will be at 9:30 a.m. at the Shawnee County Courthouse.
Ream more »

The President who wants to give Americans free healthcare might be requiring it himself, after aides revealed the man who claims ‘he quit’ actually smokes more than ever now. A staffer close to the president (who didn’t want to be identified) claims Obama’s habit has reached three packs a day.
Poor choices and outright lies seem to plague this president as he somehow feels his way through office.
Choices like an overweight… no, make that fat, Surgeon General who by law is trusted with looking after the nation’s health. A cabinet choice for Treasury Secretary that forgot to claim income on his taxes…Twice! The president’s past affiliation with ACORN, a government-funded bastion of criminal enterprise that has made the headlines with its Money for Hookers program.
Ream more »

The FDA is slowly changing the tobacco industry. A little too slowly for some health experts who have been pushing the agency to take drastic measures against cancer causing tobacco companies. Advocates for tighter regulations on ingredients and marketing strategies are asking the FDA to step up the pace.
A new law was signed by President Barack Obama one year ago, putting the fate of the tobacco industry into the hands of the FDA. Thus far, the FDA has only made minor changes, citing the need for scientific evidence on what would be the best move for the American people. Ream more »

When a statue of Isambard Kingdom Brunel was unveiled at the London college bearing his name three years ago, some commented on the absence of the cigar that Brunel was rarely seen without. (He got through 40 a day.) The worry was, apparently, that Brunel’s vile habit had fallen victim to the disapproval of drinking, smoking, violence and gambling in public spaces.
Brunel University and the sculptor both denied this. It was a matter of aesthetics, they said. But news comes of a much greater threat to the cigar industry than moralisers – a threat so grave it leads one to question whether a stogie would even be available to a late 21st century or 22nd century Brunel.
Ream more »

The US Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by the federal government in a long-running case in which it sought huge damages against tobacco firms.

The US government was appealing against a lower court ruling that it could not take $280bn (£185bn) of tobacco firms’ profits to help people quit smoking.

The court also rejected an appeal by the tobacco industry against a ruling that it had violated racketeering laws.

Tobacco shares rose on news of the first ruling.
Ream more »