Under a 2009 law giving the F.D.A. authority over tobacco products, the agency cannot ban nicotine, but can require that it be reduced to extremely low levels if that is proved to benefit public health. “After 50 years of knowing cigarettes cause cancer, it’s nice to know we have a supply we can investigate,” Dr. Connolly said.
“But the real issue is the F.D.A. should have begun a process two years ago to see if we can eliminate nicotine in cigarettes, at least for children. If we can put a man on the moon, we can get rid of nicotine.” “In consideration of inflation, tobacco prices are cheaper now than in 2004 in real terms. As a result smokers are encouraged to continue their habits,’’ Lim said. Tobacco is tobacco, even if it is smokeless, and it’s illegal for vendors to sell the products to minors.
It’s also a violation of the state’s Tobacco-Free Schools Act for students to bring these items onto their campuses. Indeed, as far as state officials know, no Colorado student has yet been caught sneaking a tobacco orb, strip or stick into his or her mouth at school. In addition, information about dissolvables will be included in the November issue of Thrive, a parent newsletter for Boulder Valley schools. This is just the beginning, say health officials.