Besides reviewing and addressing public comments, the FDA is required to provide scientific evidence in support of such regulations and also address any unintended consequences that lowering nicotine in cigarettes might have on public health.
“Will people smoke more?” Modi asked, pointing to what occurred with products marketed as “lights.” “People perceived them to be better for you and therefore smoked more. The FDA’s going to have to weigh that very carefully.”
Because the actual details of the proposed rule—let alone any final rule—are still unknown, it’s difficult to fully gauge what effect it might have on the convenience industry.
Pictured here: Nik Modi of RBC Capital Markets