The Biden administration has decided to delay ruling on menthol cigarettes due to heavy lobbying, with tobacco companies, convenience stores, and industry groups arguing that billions of dollars in sales and jobs would be at risk. Their stance is that Black smokers could become targets of aggressive police tactics if a ban were in place – an argument that some Black leaders, top lawmakers, and government officials dispute.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been pushing to eliminate menthol cigarettes, with an estimated 85% of Black smokers preferring menthol brands. Public health concerns have also been raised among Black men, who face higher rates of smoking-related lung cancer and death.
Tobacco companies and convenience store groups have been fighting the ban and have partnered with the National Action Network, founded by the Rev. Al Sharpton, to address the potential racial targeting issues. The FDA has expressed its commitment in finalizing the proposal, while the White House has publicly delayed making a decision, suggesting the proposal could be finalized in March.
Opposition to the ban has been met with criticisms from public health groups, nudging the administration to act quickly. However, some concerns have been raised over the potential racial implication of a ban on menthol cigarettes. Nonetheless, the FDA insisted that the ban will be against manufacturers, not individuals.