LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - The Food and Drug Administration has been pushing ahead with several proposed rule changes in the waning days of the Biden administration, and one of the most recent proposals has some folks worried about an outright ban of cigarettes.

If the FDA's proposed rule goes through, it would turn cigarettes into "smoldering leaves wrapped in some fancy paper," according to The Atlantic.

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What the FDA Is Proposing

Currently, the average cigarette contains around 17 milligrams of nicotine, the chemical in tobacco that makes it so addictive. The new rule would force tobacco products to contain less than 1 milligram.

Overall, the proposal is geared toward reducing smoking-related chronic illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations. If it succeeds, the U.S. would be the first country in the world to implement such a policy.

How Would It Impact Louisiana?

Smoking-related chronic illnesses, like heart disease and lung cancer, take a significant toll on Louisiana residents, across rural and urban communities alike.

The ban could have a positive impact, such as significantly reducing smoking among the youth and helping longtime smokers quit. It could also have an impact on those chronic, smoking-related diseases.

But there are some potential downsides, as well.

Some tobacco is grown locally, and farmers who grow tobacco may face financial problems due to decreased demand. And, while it may not be as big a problem here in Louisiana, across the country (particularly along the southern border) there are concerns that the cartels will be able to fill the void via black market cigarettes.

Arguments for and Against the Cigarette Proposal

The biggest supporters of the proposed rule change are in the health community, arguing that the measure will save lives by reducing smoking rates (and smoking-related deaths). It's also seen as a major step in the right direction combatting heart and lung disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses.

Opponents of the measure, however, believe it will worsen crime, particularly organized crime and illicit cigarette sales. Tobacco companies, meanwhile, are worried that the rule unfairly targets their industry and won't have a major impact on public health.

Remember These Awesome Stores No Longer in the Acadiana Mall in Lafayette, Louisiana?

So many amazing stores made their mark in the Acadiana Mall. And, while some stores are no longer with us, we will always have the memories of them that will forever live on with us. Here are many of those stores!

Gallery Credit: Joe Cunningham

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