Key Takeaways:

• The FDA has proposed a plan to cap nicotine levels in cigarettes to combat addiction.
• Under the proposed regulation, nicotine content would be reduced to 0.7 milligrams per gram of tobacco.
• The plan aims to prevent nearly 48 million young people from starting to smoke traditional cigarettes.
• Tobacco companies may challenge the regulation in court, delaying its implementation.

In a significant move towards reducing tobacco-related addiction, the FDA has unveiled a proposal that seeks to cap the nicotine content in cigarettes and most cigars. This initiative, first considered under the Trump administration, aims to limit nicotine levels to 0.7 milligrams per gram of tobacco—a substantial reduction from the current average of 17.2 milligrams. The measure intends to facilitate a shift away from traditional smoking and help existing smokers transition to less harmful alternatives like vaping or nicotine lozenges.

Federal officials believe this action could play a crucial role in preventing addiction among adults and discouraging youth from taking up smoking. In fact, the FDA estimates that nearly 13 million smokers could potentially quit within a year, while 48 million youths could be deterred from starting the habit entirely. “This action, if finalized, could save many lives and dramatically reduce the burden of severe illness and disability,” said FDA Commissioner Robert Califf during the proposal's announcement.

The public is invited to submit comments on the proposed rule until September 15, which will be considered before moving forward with the regulation. Under the new rule, tobacco companies would have a two-year grace period to comply with the new nicotine level requirements upon finalization. However, the implementation of this rule faces uncertainty, especially with the anticipated changes in administration and potential legal challenges from tobacco industry giants such as Altria and Reynolds American.

Previous efforts to strictly control tobacco products faced hurdles, including industry pushback and lawsuits. As noted in a recent report by CBS News, the last attempt to regulate nicotine waned when leading FDA officials resigned or were reassigned. The perception of tobacco regulation as essential to public health continues to gain traction, with advocates urging quick action. “Tobacco regulation is a huge part of reaching the goals for reducing chronic disease,” emphasized Chrissie Juliano from the Big Cities Health Coalition.

Historically, limiting nicotine isn't a novel concept; several tobacco companies have explored reduced-nicotine cigars and cigarettes in the past, albeit without success in the market. Current FDA research has indicated that smokers switching to very low nicotine cigarettes tend to consume less and show increased attempts to quit. Background data indicate that smoking-related deaths remain alarmingly high, with over 480,000 U.S. deaths attributed annually to smoking-related illnesses. Meanwhile, the FDA continues to advocate for a broader scope of regulation on all tobacco products.

The evolving landscape of tobacco regulation under the FDA could mark a transformative period for public health standards in the U.S., as officials strive to reduce the toll of smoking on society and help smokers find less harmful alternatives. You can read more about the proposed rule from the Time and USA Today.