On August 8, 2016 the FDA enacted Option 1 of the newest tobacco laws and regulations. Option 1 classifies premium cigars in the same category as cigarettes and other tobacco products, effectively destroying a tradition and art older than the United States itself. Because option 1 was enacted, cigar companies must now,
- pay upwards of $40,000 to release a new blend
- wait up to a year, sometimes more, for paperwork to be processed
- include excessive warning labels on cigars
We, American cigar smokers, business owners, cigar workers, and free market enthusiast are calling on Congress to enact Option 2. Option 2 excludes premium cigars from the FDA's newest tobacco laws and regulations, saving the American cigar industry and preventing the loss of thousands of lifelong careers.