Federal health officials on Wednesday unveiled a sweeping proposal aimed at making cigarettes less addictive by capping nicotine levels, a long-sought goal for antismoking advocates. The proposed rule from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which comes near the end of President Joe Biden’s term, has raised questions about its future, especially with the incoming administration under President-elect Donald Trump.
The proposal, which would limit nicotine content in cigarettes to levels that are no longer addictive, aims to help nearly 13 million current smokers quit within one year. It also forecasts that approximately 48 million young people would be deterred from starting to smoke, as cigarettes would become virtually nonaddictive. However, the likelihood of the proposal being enacted soon is uncertain, as the incoming administration has not made any clear statements on the issue.
During his first term, Trump’s FDA commissioner, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, initiated a similar effort, but it was ultimately sidelined. Trump’s health secretary nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has not yet addressed how tobacco regulation fits into his broader plans for chronic disease prevention. Even if the proposal moves forward, tobacco giants like Reynolds American and Altria are expected to challenge it in court, potentially delaying its implementation.
FDA Commissioner Robert Califf emphasized the potential benefits of the proposal, stating that reducing nicotine would significantly cut the burden of smoking-related illnesses, which cause more than 480,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. The agency’s 334-page proposal outlines the plan to cap nicotine in cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco, though it would not affect electronic cigarettes or other lower-risk products, which have not undergone extensive testing.
The FDA’s move is grounded in its authority to regulate tobacco, granted by Congress in 2009. However, efforts to regulate nicotine have faced delays, partly due to lawsuits from the tobacco industry. While the FDA cannot eliminate nicotine entirely, the proposed cap aims to significantly reduce its addictive potential. The agency has opened a public comment period lasting nine months before making any further decisions.
Antismoking advocates have strongly supported the idea, emphasizing the importance of nicotine regulation in reducing chronic diseases. Chrissie Juliano of the Big Cities Health Coalition urged that the new administration continue to prioritize tobacco regulation.
Despite a long history of failed attempts by tobacco companies to produce low-nicotine cigarettes, studies have shown that switching to very low-nicotine options encourages smokers to reduce their intake and increases the likelihood of quitting. This latest proposal, if enacted, could mark a major step in the ongoing fight against smoking in the U.S.
