4 ms·

Tobacco use in America predates the United States. It was probably in use before alcohol. Also since when is "it's tradition" a defense for nonsensical public

• krrrh 4y ago
  An important point here is that traditional use of nicotiana rustica was more far more widespread than nicotiana tabacum. This was a much more potent (higher concentration of nicotine), and people would smoke less and less frequently. The other recent announcement from the administration is to reduce the amount of nicotine in cigarettes which a lot of harm reduction specialists are concerned will result in more smoking rather than less.
• ceejayoz 4y ago
  > Also since when is "it's tradition" a defense for nonsensical public health policy? It doesn't make for good public health policy, but as the pandemic made quite clear, the general population gets a pretty big say in it. People get pretty grumpy when you go against traditions, even for a good reason.