They’ve gotten smarter. Companies that sell in the U.S. have learned to toe the regulatory and legal line.
For example, tobacco companies used to label cigarettes “light” or “low-tar,” even though they were no safer than other cigarettes. They can no longer claim that certain tobacco products are less harmful without the Food and Drug Administration allowing the claim. But look at the brand Natural American Spirit. I have done a lot of research on this product, including studies with Truth Initiative. It’s the only major cigarette brand that makes the claims “natural,” “organic” and “additive-free,” and the majority of its smokers believe the brand is less harmful. They are still clearly misrepresenting the harms of their products. They are toeing the letter of the law, but not the spirit of the law.
So many people still smoke that it remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the country. It just may not be as obvious to everyone anymore, especially leaders of the country, because it’s been largely pushed to a corner of society. It’s a social justice issue. We are allowing the tobacco industry to just continue to stomp on this group of people.
Creating a tobacco-free generation is possible. We have to raise awareness and put a ton of pressure on the tobacco industry and the policymakers to make regulations stronger so that tobacco companies get away with less and less.
Get more information on the truth “Worth More” campaign, which also features Imagine Dragons lead vocalist Dan Reynolds and country star Jon Pardi.