Cheap, Flavored Cigars Flooding the Market: A Dangerous Delight for Kids

Problems with Kid-Attracting, Affordable Flavored Cigars on the Rise in Market

Dangerous, kid-friendly cigars flooding market

Move aside, bubblegum and lollipops. There’s a new sweet addiction in town, and it’s not for kids. Or at least, it shouldn’t be. We’re talking about cheap, flavored cigars that have flooded the market, capturing the attention of young consumers. In fact, they have become the second-most popular tobacco product among youth. Sounds like a flavor-filled disaster, doesn’t it?

According to a recent report by the Rutgers University Institute for Nicotine and Tobacco Studies (INTS) and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, tobacco companies have launched a full-blown assault on impressionable young minds. These sly companies have strategically marketed these tempting sticks of temptation as “Iced Donut” and “Berry Fusion” cigars, cleverly masking the harsh reality beneath a sugary façade.

As the report points out, kids are prime targets for such products. After all, they are the most price-sensitive consumers around, and these cigars come dirt cheap. A pack of three often sells for a mere 99 cents, making it irresistible for young wallets. And let’s not forget the icing on the cigar, so to speak—the sweet flavors that appeal to children. It’s like a twisted Willy Wonka dream gone wrong.

But here’s the real kicker. The report reveals that cigar sales have more than doubled between 2000 and 2021, largely due to the increased consumption of smaller, flavored cigars. These flavor-infused sticks now capture a whopping 50% of the market. That’s right, half the market is tainted by the allure of these small, flavored menaces.

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The Perilous Puff: Unmasking the Dangers

Now let’s dive into the dark abyss of alarming statistics. Shockingly, about 500,000 young people currently indulge in cigars, with over 800 kids a day trying their hand at smoking for the first time. The report also highlights a troubling racial disparity, with Black youth engaging in cigar smoking at a rate 1.5 times higher than their white counterparts. It’s a disturbing truth that hits close to home.

But fear not, concerned citizens. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is about to unleash a final ruling that will ban flavored cigars, building upon the proposed rule announced in April 2022. The FDA’s decision is backed by evidence that exposes the serious health risks presented by cigar smoking, further amplified by the enticing flavors that beckon youth towards temptation. Removing flavored cigars from the market will undoubtedly reduce the number of young smokers.

But wait, there’s more. The FDA is not stopping at cigars alone. Menthol-flavored cigarettes will also fall under the hammer of regulation. It’s like a double whammy of flavor obliteration. Now that’s a win for public health.

A Call to Action: Protecting Our Future

In light of these findings, the authors of the report are calling on the FDA to swiftly implement the new cigar rules. They are also urging states and cities to continue their efforts in the fight against flavored tobacco products. This battle is far from over, but with collective action, we can make a difference.

So, what have we learned from all this? For starters, a majority of youth smokers enter the smoking world through the gateway of flavored cigars. The pleasant flavors, like a delicious coating, mask the true harshness of tobacco, making cigars more accessible to beginners. In fact, almost three-quarters of youth smokers admitted to puffing away on cigars purely because “they come in flavors I like.” It’s like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, with a fruity disguise.

But don’t be fooled by appearances. The report sheds light on the toxic reality of cigar smoke. It’s made up of the same dangerous chemicals found in cigarette smoke. Inhaling these toxic fumes can have severe health consequences, including an increased risk of cancer in the oral cavity, larynx, esophagus, and lungs. Daily cigar smokers are also more likely to face heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and aortic aneurysms. It’s a worrying cocktail of ailments.

In the words of the U.S. Surgeon General, nicotine use in any form is unsafe for young people. It has the potential to cause addiction and harm the developing adolescent brain. Let’s not gamble with our future.

Join the Fight: Exposing the Tactics

The report also unravels the sinister marketing strategies employed by cigar companies. Shiny, colorful packaging, viral social media trends, celebrity endorsements—it’s a whirlwind of captivating tactics aimed directly at young consumers. And let’s not forget the attractive price tags that make these products hard to resist. The report even shines a spotlight on the targeted promotion of cigars within Black communities, highlighting the need for equal protection and awareness.

But wait, we’re forgetting something crucial. The most popular tobacco product among youth isn’t the innocent cigar; it’s those cunning e-cigarettes. We might have stumbled upon another dangerous trend.

Don’t Be Played: Take a Stand

So there you have it, a glimpse into the alarming rise of cheap, flavored cigars that have ensnared the hearts and minds of our youth. But we can’t let this continue. We must champion the cause of public health, protecting future generations from the clutches of tobacco addiction.

Join us in raising awareness, spreading the word, and standing firm against the temptation of flavored cigars. Share this vital message with your friends, family, and anyone who might find themselves grappling with the sweet allure of these deceptively harmless-looking products.

Remember, in the battle between candy-coated cigars and the well-being of our youth, there’s really only one winner. Let’s ensure that it’s not a bleak and dangerous future, but a bright and healthy one. Together, we can extinguish the flavor fire, one puff at a time.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more insights into youth and tobacco use.

SOURCE: Rutgers University-New Brunswick, news release, Oct. 5, 2023