The administration could announce the ban Thursday, but it won’t take effect immediately.
The Biden administration is expected to announce this week its intention to ban menthol cigarettes, two people familiar with the plan told CBS News. The proposed ban on the mint-flavored cigarettes is likely to be announced on Thursday, according to an administration official, which is the day the Food and Drug Administration was ordered by a court to respond to a 2013 citizen petition advocating the ban. Public health organizations like the American Medical Association favor the move to ban menthols because of data showing these cigarettes disproportionately impact the health of racial minorities and young people. In total, approximately 20 million Americans smoke menthols, according to the FDA. Advocates of the ban told CBS News the decision about whether to move ahead with the ban was ultimately President Biden’s. Banning menthol cigarettes has Democratic support in Congress, too. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin and Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Bobby Rush, recently argued the FDA has a “duty” to ban menthols.
