ASAM Joins Coalition Supporting Reduced Nicotine in Cigarettes

ASAM, in coalition with over 70 other medical and public health organizations, has issued support for a proposed FDA rule that would reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes and other combustible tobacco products.

The FDA states that the goal of this rule is to: “(1) reduce the risk of progression to regular use and nicotine dependence for those who experiment with such tobacco products, especially youth and (2) make it easier for people who are addicted to cigarettes and certain other combusted tobacco products and who are interested in quitting to quit by reducing the nicotine in these products to minimally addictive or nonaddictive levels.”

In the coalition’s comments, the groups note that by taking this important action, the FDA is upholding its commitment to adjust product standards necessary for protecting public health.

“…the FDA estimates that this proposal would prevent more than 48 million youth and young adults from initiating smoking by 2100, prompt 12.9 million people who smoke to quit within one year (rising to 19.5 million in five years) and save 4.3 million lives by the end of the century. The impact of this policy would be historic,” writes the coalition. “There are few actions FDA could take that would be as impactful when it comes to protecting kids, reducing chronic disease and saving lives.”

The groups also offered recommendations to further strengthen the rule, which include:

• Expand the rule to apply to all combustible tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars and hookah, as well as to heated tobacco products;
• Conduct a public education campaign to correct misperceptions about the harms of reduced nicotine products;
• Prohibit companies from selling off existing high-nicotine products after the effect rule date;
• And more.

Read the full list of recommendations in the comment letter here.