Criticism of Nicotine Alternatives Causes Smoking Rates to Rise

Sep.29.2022
Criticism of Nicotine Alternatives Causes Smoking Rates to Rise
The rise in smoking rates is attributed to the continuous denunciation of safer nicotine alternatives, according to CCC's deputy director.

In a blog post on the Consumer Choice Center (CCC) website, the organization's Deputy Director, Yaël Ossowski, argues that the continued demonization of safer nicotine alternatives is contributing to recent increases in smoking rates. "In our age, there is perhaps no more shocking example than public health lobbying groups constantly denying the harm reduction value of nicotine e-cigarettes and other tobacco alternatives," Ossowski writes.


According to the 2020 cigarette report from the Federal Trade Commission, cigarette sales in the United States have reached their highest level in 20 years. The total number of cigarettes sold by major manufacturers in 2020 increased by 0.4% compared to 2019, reaching 203.7 billion. "This is the first time in 20 years that cigarette sales have increased. Smoking is back for the first time in a generation. Public health advocacy groups are to blame," said Osofsky.


The CCC also condemned excessive public campaigns against electronic cigarette devices, incorrect information, bans, restrictions, and taxation on flavored nicotine products as a result of lung diseases caused by contaminated marijuana cartridges. "Whatever conclusion you draw, the trend of the smoking rate in the United States dropping to 14% when the last complete national survey was conducted in 2019 is coming to a halt. This should be of concern to all of us," said the CCC.


The organization added that these public health institutions, anti-smoking groups, and related journalists, regardless of their intentions, are attempting to convince the public that not only is smoking harmful and dangerous, but so are alternative nicotine devices such as electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches, heated tobacco, and even more so than a pack of cigarettes.


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