Jump to full article: Associated Press (AP), 2009-06-20
Author: Bruce Schreiner Associated Press
Intro: Tobacco advocates used to being on the defensive in their own country are fuming over a Canadian proposal they say could essentially ban some American leaf often used in cigarettes.
The measure winding through Canada's parliament would outlaw selling tobacco embellished with fruit and candy flavors, which health officials say entice youngsters to smoke. Supporters of the cash crop worry that American burley -- a variety commonly blended with other types of tobacco and laced with flavors to smooth its harsh taste -- will be snarled in the ban, and that other countries will be encouraged to enact similar restrictions.
The bill was passed by Canada's House of Commons and has gone to the nation's Senate. Tobacco officials and their congressmen are working hard to keep the bill from passing, arguing the livelihood of farmers and manufacturers is in jeopardy.
Roger Quarles, president of the Burley Tobacco Growers Cooperative in Lexington, said the flavorings added to burley are undetectable to consumers.
Jump to full article » |