FDA to regulate tobacco as a drug
The House of Representatives approved a bill yesterday that makes tobacco a “drug.” As a result, cigarettes and other tobacco products will now fall under the regulatory purview of the Food and Drug Administration. The bill still has to go to the Senate, which has a majority, but may not have a veto-proof one.
One of the largest tobacco companies, Phillip Morris USA, supported the bill, splitting from other tobacco industry leaders. Public health groups almost unanimously supported the bill, as a successful passage will give the federal government more regulatory power over tobacco products and the industry as a whole.
Do you support this bill? Does regulation of tobacco take us too far towards a “nanny state,” or is it necessary to prevent further death and illness as a result of smoking?
