But cigarette companies have by no means lost the natural urge to promote themselves and their wares. The welcome fall in consumption resulting from the price increase may turn out to be temporary unless it is followed up with serious efforts to dissuade kids from smoking. The effort should come first at the state level, but then also from the federal government. The Supreme Court is set to rule shortly on whether the Food and Drug Administration can, under existing law, claim jurisdiction over tobacco. If the answer is no, Congress needs to empower the FDA with new legislation.
Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.