The minty past and cloudy future of menthol cigarettes

2024-12-26 00:21:40 source:lotradecoin liquidity category:My

In the U.S., flavored cigarettes have been banned since 2009, with one glaring exception: menthols. That exception was supposed to go away in 2023, but the Biden administration quietly delayed the ban on menthols. Why? Well, an estimated 85 percent of Black smokers smoke menthols — and some (potentially suspect) polls have indicated that a ban on menthols would chill Biden's support among Black people. Of course, it's more complicated than that. The story of menthol cigarettes is tied up in policing, advertising, influencer-culture, and the weaponization of race and gender studies. Oh, and a real-life Black superhero named Mandrake the Magician.

This episode was reported by Gene Demby, produced by Xavier Lopez, and edited by Leah Donnella.

More:My

Recommend

Southern California forecast of cool temps, calm winds to help firefighters battle Malibu blaze

MALIBU, Calif. (AP) — Cooler temperatures, calmer winds and a chance of rainfall in Southern Califor

Oscars to introduce its first new category since 2001

Casting directors are some of the most important creatives in entertainment but have never been cele

The Battle Over Abortion Rights In The 2024 Election

Abortion is a personal issue. But it's also political. And few things motivate voters and politician