US
For the first time in its history, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced it will pursue lowering the nicotine content of cigarettes to non-addictive levels as part of an overall plan to protect youth and reduce tobacco-related disease and death.
According to FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb the goal is to “render cigarettes minimally addictive” by reducing the amount of the harmful and addictive chemical, which they say is the leading cause of preventable death in the US.
“Envisioning a world where cigarettes would no longer create or sustain addiction, and where adults who still need or want nicotine could get it from alternative and less harmful sources, needs to be the cornerstone of our efforts – and we believe it’s vital that we pursue this common ground,” he added.