The War on Tobacco – Things to watch in 2011

The War on all Tobacco; cigarettes, Swedish snus, American snuff, and even electronic cigarettes proved to be a bloody year in 2010.  In the USA, the PACT Act and the Tobacco Control Act became law almost under the radar.  FDA began running amok, spewing “guidance”, regulations, and interpretations which the US Federal Court system is taking some exceptance to.

Delivery of all tobacco products (except cigars) using the US Postal Service was criminalized forcing internet tobacco purchasers to pay higher UPS shipping rates.  As the Postal Service is already running a $2-3BB deficit, I’m not sure how cutting off tobacco deliveries (except cigars) is going to improve their bottom line.

In the EU, a proposed ban on the shipment of Swedish and Scandinavian snus between EU Member Nations stands to boost cigarette consumption and black market snus and tobacco sales well beyond the levels seen today.

I originally intended to take a look back at how snus, NRT and smokeless tobacco products in 2010.  I came to the conclusion that 2010 was what it was; very depressing for tobacco consumers in general .  Rehashing 2010 is not going change anything.

It is much more interesting to focus on the future of our beloved Swedish snus and tobacco in general around the world.  Big Tobacco is fighting back and Big Pharaceutical is starting to lose some battles.  Another critical factor to consider is the new 112th US Congress.  Their priorities and philosophy is considerably different than the two previous Congresses.   Throw in politics and an American public looking for big change and less government.  A lot of people in Washington have a lot to prove to their constituents.  One way or another, this will effect FDA and Anti-All-Tobacco Zealots and their power.

Here are some tobacco topics we should keep our eye on in 2011:

Camel SNUS – Reynolds becomes a champion for reducing Cigarette use?