The Biden administration, in a move reflecting potential political repercussions among Black voters in an election year, postponed its plan to ban menthol cigarettes on Friday.
Despite longstanding advocacy from anti-smoking groups targeting menthol’s contribution to health disparities in Black communities and its role in enticing youth into smoking, the decision to delay the ban underscores the complexity of the issue.
Statistics reveal a stark contrast in menthol cigarette usage, with approximately 81% of Black adult smokers favoring menthol varieties compared to 34% of white adult smokers, as reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Health Secretary Xavier Becerra acknowledged the significant feedback received on the proposed ban, including input from civil rights and criminal justice sectors, indicating that further discussions are warranted.
However, he hinted that resolving these complexities might extend beyond the upcoming presidential election in November.
Following the announcement, shares of tobacco companies experienced minimal fluctuations, with Altria Group and British American Tobacco seeing slight declines, and Imperial Brands ending nearly 1% lower.
Reacting to the delay, NAACP President Derrick Johnson condemned the decision, criticizing politicians for prioritizing profits over people and describing it as a setback for the Black community disproportionately affected by tobacco-related harm.
Similarly, Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, expressed disappointment, emphasizing the administration’s failure to act decisively despite ample scientific evidence supporting the ban.
In contrast, a spokesperson for Reynolds American, a subsidiary of British American Tobacco, advocated for alternative approaches to support adult smokers, citing the importance of access to nicotine alternatives like vaping products.
Menthol cigarettes command a significant share of the U.S. tobacco market, with concerns about their appeal to young smokers and their disproportionate health impacts on Black communities.
Civil rights groups have long argued against the heavy marketing of menthol cigarettes in these communities.
Yolonda Richardson, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, highlighted research indicating that eliminating menthol cigarettes could significantly reduce youth smoking initiation, increase smoking cessation rates, and potentially save hundreds of thousands of lives, particularly in the Black community.