The FDA Should Reduce Nicotine In Cigarettes—And Use A Better Test To Ensure It Happens

Health Affairs December 2, 2024
John Maa, Michelle Zhang

Eons before Europeans arrived in North America, Native Americans cultivated the tobacco leaf for ceremonial activities and medicinal purposes for use during prayers and rituals. They presented the tobacco leaf as a gift to early explorers including Christopher Columbus, who carried it back to Europe. Over the centuries, the tobacco industry mastered blending additives, cigarette design, and nicotine delivery to craft one of the most highly addictive products sold worldwide, which kills half of users when consumed as directed.

But what if we could return modern cigarettes to the original nicotine levels used by the Native Americans, which were non-addicting?

In his 2001 book, A Question of Intent, former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner David Kessler highlighted research long...

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