Tobacco News

The cigarette industry disputed critics who say that menthol flavoring increases the risks of cigarette smoking in testimony before a U.S. Food and Drug Administration panel yesterday. The panel is considering limiting or banning flavoring on the grounds that it makes cigarettes more addictive and harder to quit, Shayndi Rice reports.
“Our analysis of the published scientific literature and internal studies concludes that menthol added to cigarettes does not increase the inherent health risks of smoking,” Ream more »

In a new development a 12-member US panel is debating over the issue of menthol cigarettes being more addictive. If the results go against the cigarettes Australia too will have to ban the sale of such cigarettes. This would mean a significant loss to Alpine cigarettes and imported brands such as Kool, Virginia Slims and Salem.

Campaigners have been harping on the fact that menthol coats the throat with a “mild anesthetic” or has numbing effect and encourages young people, especially women, to take up smoking. Ream more »

As happens this time each year, the entire cigar community descends upon one city for a week of cigar smoking and deal making at the annual industry trade show. For cigar enthusiasts, it is Christmas in August, as all the leading cigar makers unveil their latest blends for the thousands of cigar shop representatives in attendance.
This week that cloud of cigar smoke will be settling over New Orleans, which is hosting the annual International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) Trade Show for the second straight year. Known for its good food, lively nightlife, and festive nature — even in the humidity of August — it’s no wonder that New Orleans is a regular destination for the IPCPR, along with Las Vegas (where the show will be returning for the next two years). Ream more »

MIDDLETOWN — The Middletown City Council unanimously passed one of the toughest anti-smoking resolutions in the region Monday evening. The resolution prohibits people from lighting up at all city playgrounds and pools, as well as two entire city parks mainly used by children and teenagers. The resolution, viewed by the council as a measure to protect public health, is intended to reduce the exposure of kids to second-hand smoke. Ream more »

NEW tobacco and tobacco substitute products – including oral tobacco, “tobacco candies” that dissolve in the mouth, and fruit-flavoured cigarettes – will be banned here. They are falsely marketed as safer alternatives to cigarettes, and may lead to young people becoming hooked, said Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan yesterday. Ream more »

MIDDLETOWN — Most days Mickey Gulati can be found at the new Dixie Discount Smokes working 13-hour days before coming home to an empty house. For him, it’s the American dream. The 30-year-old, who was born in India, said he worked for a driving service in New Jersey for many years, barely scraping by to care for his family. When he came to Middletown three months ago to visit his brother, Vikram “Vickey” Gulati at his store in Verity Parkway, he was intrigued by the thought of owning his own business. Ream more »

Madonna’s spokesperson has rebuked speculation the Material Girl has started smoking again after she was snapped holding a cigarette – insisting it was just a prop for her new movie project.

The pop superstar has stepped behind the camera to direct “W.E.”, which tells the story of Britain’s King Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne after falling in love with American divorcee Wallis Simpson. Ream more »

Athletes are usually the picture of health. When we see an athlete we picture a lean fit person who is very healthy. It seems though that there are some athletes out there who are heavy smokers. One would think this was almost as rare as the smoking doctor but apparently they do exist and seem to be growing in number. The problem with athletes who smoke is the fact that smoking has an adverse effect on a person’s health and it hampers their ability to run and they get out of breath quicker than non smokers. Ream more »

England and Manchester United footballer Wayne Rooney has this week been criticised over a picture taken last week of the striker smoking a cigarette. Photographs printed in The Sun, showed Rooney and wife Colleen enjoyed a night out in Manchester. The England international was photographed chanting in the street and urinating up against a wall, as well as smoking a cigarette.
Many believe that Manchester United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, is outraged by the behaviour of Rooney, who is likely to receive the famous ‘hair dryer’ treatment from the United boss. Ream more »

The shocking picture below shows teenage Justin Bieber smoking marijuana out of a pipe. But the most shocking thing about this picture? It’s a fake! That’s right, rest easy Beliebers; Justin has been the victim of yet another vicious rumor. When a Yahoo questions user asked if Justin smoked the reefer, someone shopped this image to make it appear as if JB had been toking up. Ream more »