"We Are Better Than Them" Bigotry

"We are better than them" is a notion that anti-smokers and the anti-smoking movement hold close to their hearts and minds. But they do not have a monopoly on that sentiment, as I just heard a cigar salesman tell me that "we are better than them" when referring to cigarette smokers.

We know that cigars and pipe smokers enjoy tobacco very differently from cigarette smokers and the products themselves are very different. But, dependency and patterns of use does not make anyone better than another.

Are you better than me because you work out four days a week and I only work out three? Are you better because you eat more vegetables? Are you better because you are thinner? better looking? have more hair? etc..... The notion that one person is better than another for the pleasures they choose, their tastes, and/or preferences is absurd, divisive, and it is the reason all smokers are losing their rights. The anti-smoking/nanny-state/pleasure-police movement capitalizes on the notion that 'they know better' and that 'they are better'. But, this is a fraud and it is the essence of their bigotry. The only qualitative measure of a person should derive from how they treat other people.

Ultimately, we must all respect each others' rights and freedoms in order preserve our own. Tobacco users are not "dirty", "filthy", or "disgusting" people any more than non-smokers, fat, or ugly people are. In fact, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and taste is subjective, so who are we to judge?

Tobacconists and tobacco lovers are clearly the besmirched underdog in this society and we are going to have to change the way we view the world in order to make significant progress. We must change our perspective, become less divisive, build more coalitions, and teach others to respect our freedoms and choices as much as we respect theirs. If every cigar lover, as 5% of the population, convinced 12 people to respect our freedoms, then we could have a chance at surviving the tyranny of the majority.

"We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately."

- Benjamin Franklin

The Tobacco Smokescreen: Distracting Bigotry

In NYC we are now fighting the prohibition of all flavored tobaccos; plus the threat of banning smoking outdoors in parks and beaches so 'children won't have to see smokers'. Meanwhile, taxation, smoking bans, and de-normalization of smokers continues to increase. Yet, we learned this year that the use of anti-depressants has doubled over the last decade and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, you can walk into any convenience store, supermarket, or 'nutritional center' and buy yourself amphetamine-like drinks and diet pills, erectile aids, and five hour energy shots. Plus, I just read that the new 'hot' product on the market is caffeine laced meat!

Politicians and legislators are beating up on the tobacco industry and the people and businesses suffering the most are retail tobacconists and luxury tobacco aficionados. Yet, 'feel-good' prohibitions, taxation, and restrictions continue to be passed by local, state, and federal agencies. Meanwhile, the substantive problems of the world seem to go unaddressed. At this point, even cigarette smokers are more than paying for any societal costs associated with their pleasures, yet the government is milking them to pay for childrens' health-care - this is happening because the societal perception that cigarette smokers (or all smokers) are "filthy" or "dirty" people with a "disgusting" habit. Well, as long as our government chooses to stigmatize and punish unpopular people, I can guarantee that nothing positive or substantive will ever get done. Consumers of alcohol and fat people beware! This will not stop until we stand up and help minorities protect their choices/pleasures/freedoms, even if they are not the freedoms that we choose to exercise.

"You can only be free if I am free."
- Clarence Darrow

Sickening Health Industry

Over the last few weeks the FDA has come out against the use of e-cigarettes, and the state of Oregon has banned them, even though these products are estimated to be 1400 times safer than regular cigarettes (see http://tobaccoanalysis.blogspot.com/ for further enlightenment). Meanwhile, a study was just released showing that the use of antidepressants in America has doubled over the last decade. Antidepressants are the drugs that affect serotonin levels, a.k.a. the pleasure center of the brain. Perhaps this is what people turn to when they are scared into giving up natural delicacies like tobacco (see Pills vs. Cigars)... I don't know the reasons why, but clearly there is something wrong with a society that needs to medicate so many people just to be functional. I can empathize with anyone taking these drugs, but I am ashamed to live in a world where they are so prevalent and the real drug pushers are multi-national pharmaceutical companies (the same companies that push nicotine replacement products - not including e-cigarettes though).

I hope we can get back to a place where a stiff drink, good cigar, or long night of shagging can cure what ails us.... Let's remember that we have lived on this planet for thousands of years without the aid of pharmaceuticals and there are many natural and traditional values and practices that can enrich and balance our lives; they include, but are not limited to: great food, wine, chocolate, tobacco, sex, sunshine, long walks, relaxation, being around the water, nature, excercise, friends and family. Perhaps, the only thing getting in the way of real pleasure and happiness is the sensationalized and fear mongering news media and health organizations which want us to buy their products. I think there was a time when doctors and health organizations were admired and trusted by the citizenry... but for me, that time has passed; I am sickened by the health industry and the fact that they never cure anything.... What do you think?

Double Our Business - NOW!

It's simple math, really - just convert 10% of cigarette smokers to cigars and you double the size of the cigar industry. This is our reality, and in the process we can help enhance the quality of life for millions of Americans.

I continue to believe that tobacconists are modern day freedom fighters, enduring torture, demonization, and endless taxation for their beliefs and passions. If you don't believe me, just note that today is April 1st, 2009 and tobacconists all over America are being slapped with massive tax and cost increases on their products. The inventory, paperwork, price changes, and customer implications are brutal. Is there any other group of business owner or consumer being as severely taxed, legislated, and debilitated? And in this economy! It's pathetic. But, there is hope! Now is the time to help our cigarette smoking customers end their allegiance to inhaling.... Particularly if they are consuming products laced with chemicals and additives. They will thank us for it. Help someone savor their time and they will be a customer and friend forever.

PS: Dear legislators, politicians, government people; please stop taxing us to death. And by 'us' I mean all Americans, but especially those in the luxury tobacco industry.

PSS: Sign the new Tobacconist Preservation Act petition - we must project our voice and opinions!

Cigar, Cigarette, Tobacco Taxes/Age: content preview

State
Legal Smoking Age*
TPT Tax Cigars**
Cigarette Tax/Pack***

Alabama
19
$.04 - $.405/10 Cigars
$0.425

Alaska
19
75% Wholesale
$1.800

Arizona
18
$.441 - $2.60/20 Cigars
$2.000

Arkansas
18
32% Manufacturer's Price
$0.590

California
18
46.76% Wholesale
$0.870

Colorado
18
40% Manufacturer's Price
$0.840

Connecticut
18
20% Wholesale
$1.510

Delaware
18
15% Wholesale
$0.550

Florida
18
25% Wholesale
$0.339

Georgia
18
23% Wholesale
$0.370

Hawaii
18
40% Wholesale
$1.600

Idaho
18
40% Wholesale
$0.570

Illinois
18
18% Wholesale
$0.980

Indiana
18
18% Wholesale
$0.555

Iowa
18
22% Wholesale
$0.360

Kansas
18
10% Wholesale
$0.790

Kentucky
18
7.5% Wholesale
$0.300

Louisiana
18
8% - 20% Wholesale
$0.360

Maine
18
20% Wholesale
$2.000

Maryland
18
15% Wholesale
$1.000

Massachusetts
18
30% Wholesale
$1.510

Michigan
18
32% Wholesale
$2.000

Minnesota
18
70% Wholesale
$1.230

Mississippi
18
15% Manufacturer's Price
$0.180

Missouri
18
10% Manufacturer's Price
$0.180

Montana
18
50% Wholesale
$1.700

Nebraska
18
20% Wholesale
$0.640

Nevada
18
30% Wholesale
$0.800

New Hampshire
18
19% Wholesale
$0.800

New Jersey
19
30% Wholesale
$2.575

New Mexico
18
25% Product Value
$0.910

New York
18
37% Wholesale
$1.500

North Carolina
18
3% Wholesale
$0.350

North Dakota
18
28% Wholesale
$0.440

Ohio
18
17% Wholesale
$1.250

Oklahoma
18
$.36 - $1.20/10 cigars
$1.030

Oregon
18
65% Wholesale
$1.180

Pennsylvania
18
n/a
$1.350

Rhode Island
18
40% Wholesale
$2.460

South Carolina
18
5% Wholesale
$0.070

South Dakota
18
10% Wholesale
$0.530

Tennessee
18
6.6% Wholesale
$0.200

Texas

18
$.01 - $.15/10 Cigars
$1.410

Utah
19
35% Manufacturer's Price
$0.695

Vermont
18
41% Manufacturer's Price
$1.790

Virginia
18
10% Wholesale
$0.300

Washington
18
75% Wholesale
$2.025

West Virginia
18
7% Wholesale
$0.550

Wisconsin
18
25% Manufaturer's Price
$0.770

Wyoming
18
20% Wholesale
$0.600

Washington, DC
18
12% Gross Reciepts
$1.00




* www.wecard.org/oltusers/wc_slsc_otl.html
** www.taxadmin.org/fta/rate/otp.html
*** www.taxadmin.org/fta/rate/cigarett.html

Cigarette Additives

The following is a list of 599 additives found in commercial cigarette tobaccos. Luxury and premium tobaccos, whether cigarette, cigar, or pipe, should not contain any chemicals or unnatural flavorings.


Acetanisole,
Acetic Acid,
Acetoin,
Acetophenone,
6-Acetoxydihydrotheaspirane,
2-Acetyl-3- Ethylpyrazine,
2-Acetyl-5-Methylfuran,
Acetylpyrazine,
2-Acetylpyridine,
3-Acetylpyridine,
2-Acetylthiazole,
Aconitic Acid,
dl-Alanine,
Alfalfa Extract,
Allspice Extract,
Oleoresin,
And Oil,
Allyl Hexanoate,
Allyl Ionone,
Almond Bitter Oil,
Ambergris Tincture,
Ammonia,
Ammonium Bicarbonate,
Ammonium Hydroxide,
Ammonium Phosphate Dibasic,
Ammonium Sulfide,
Amyl Alcohol,
Amyl Butyrate,
Amyl Formate,
Amyl Octanoate,
alpha-Amylcinnamaldehyde,
Amyris Oil,
trans-Anethole,
Angelica Root Extract, Oil and Seed Oil,
Anise,
Anise Star, Extract and Oils,
Anisyl Acetate,
Anisyl Alcohol,
Anisyl Formate,
Anisyl Phenylacetate,
Apple Juice Concentrate, Extract, and Skins,
Apricot Extract and Juice Concentrate,
1-Arginine,
Asafetida Fluid Extract And Oil,
Ascorbic Acid,
1-Asparagine Monohydrate,
1-Aspartic Acid,
Balsam Peru and Oil,
Basil Oil,
Bay Leaf, Oil and Sweet Oil,
Beeswax White,
Beet Juice Concentrate,
Benzaldehyde,
Benzaldehyde Glyceryl Acetal,
Benzoic Acid, Benzoin,
Benzoin Resin,
Benzophenone,
Benzyl Alcohol,
Benzyl Benzoate,
Benzyl Butyrate,
Benzyl Cinnamate,
Benzyl Propionate,
Benzyl Salicylate,
Bergamot Oil,
Bisabolene,
Black Currant Buds Absolute,
Borneol,
Bornyl Acetate,
Buchu Leaf Oil,
1,3-Butanediol,
2,3-Butanedione,
1-Butanol,
2-Butanone,
4(2-Butenylidene)-3,5,5-Trimethyl-2-Cyclohexen-1-One,
Butter, Butter Esters, and Butter Oil,
Butyl Acetate,
Butyl Butyrate,
Butyl Butyryl Lactate,
Butyl Isovalerate,
Butyl Phenylacetate,
Butyl Undecylenate,
3-Butylidenephthalide,
Butyric Acid,
Cadinene,
Caffeine,
Calcium Carbonate,
Camphene,
Cananga Oil,
Capsicum Oleoresin,
Caramel Color,
Caraway Oil,
Carbon Dioxide,
Cardamom Oleoresin, Extract, Seed Oil, and Powder,
Carob Bean and Extract,
beta-Carotene,
Carrot Oil,
Carvacrol,
4-Carvomenthenol,
1-Carvone,
beta-Caryophyllene,
beta-Caryophyllene Oxide,
Cascarilla Oil and Bark Extract,
Cassia Bark Oil,
Cassie Absolute and Oil,
Castoreum Extract, Tincture and Absolute,
Cedar Leaf Oil,
Cedarwood Oil Terpenes and Virginiana,
Cedrol,
Celery Seed Extract, Solid, Oil, And Oleoresin,
Cellulose Fiber,
Chamomile Flower Oil And Extract,
Chicory Extract,
Chocolate,
Cinnamaldehyde,
Cinnamic Acid,
Cinnamon Leaf Oil, Bark Oil, and Extract,
Cinnamyl Acetate,
Cinnamyl Alcohol,
Cinnamyl Cinnamate,
Cinnamyl Isovalerate,
Cinnamyl Propionate,
Citral,
Citric Acid,
Citronella Oil,
dl-Citronellol,
Citronellyl Butyrate,
Citronellyl Isobutyrate,
Civet Absolute,
Clary Oil,
Clover Tops, Red Solid Extract,
Cocoa,
Cocoa Shells, Extract, Distillate And Powder,
Coconut Oil,
Coffee,
Cognac White and Green Oil,
Copaiba Oil,
Coriander Extract and Oil,
Corn Oil,
Corn Silk,
Costus Root Oil,
Cubeb Oil,
Cuminaldehyde,
para-Cymene,
1-Cysteine,
Dandelion Root Solid Extract,
Davana Oil,
2-trans, 4-trans-Decadienal,
delta-Decalactone,
gamma-Decalactone,
Decanal,
Decanoic Acid,
1-Decanol,
2-Decenal,
Dehydromenthofurolactone,
Diethyl Malonate,
Diethyl Sebacate,
2,3-Diethylpyrazine,
Dihydro Anethole,
5,7-Dihydro-2-Methylthieno(3,4-D) Pyrimidine,
Dill Seed Oil and Extract,
meta-Dimethoxybenzene,
para-Dimethoxybenzene,
2,6-Dimethoxyphenol,
Dimethyl Succinate,
3,4-Dimethyl-1,2-Cyclopentanedione,
3,5- Dimethyl-1,2-Cyclopentanedione,
3,7-Dimethyl-1,3,6-Octatriene,
4,5-Dimethyl-3-Hydroxy-2,5-Dihydrofuran-2-One,
6,10-Dimethyl-5,9-Undecadien-2-One,
3,7-Dimethyl-6-Octenoic Acid,
2,4-Dimethylacetophenone,
alpha,para-Dimethylbenzyl Alcohol,
alpha,alpha-Dimethylphenethyl Acetate,
alpha,alpha Dimethylphenethyl Butyrate,
2,3-Dimethylpyrazine,
2,5-Dimethylpyrazine,
2,6-Dimethylpyrazine,
Dimethyltetrahydrobenzofuranone,
delta-Dodecalactone,
gamma-Dodecalactone,
para-Ethoxybenzaldehyde,
Ethyl 10-Undecenoate,
Ethyl 2-Methylbutyrate,
Ethyl Acetate,
Ethyl Acetoacetate,
Ethyl Alcohol,
Ethyl Benzoate,
Ethyl Butyrate,
Ethyl Cinnamate,
Ethyl Decanoate,
Ethyl Fenchol,
Ethyl Furoate,
Ethyl Heptanoate,
Ethyl Hexanoate,
Ethyl Isovalerate,
Ethyl Lactate,
Ethyl Laurate,
Ethyl Levulinate,
Ethyl Maltol,
Ethyl Methyl Phenylglycidate,
Ethyl Myristate,
Ethyl Nonanoate,
Ethyl Octadecanoate,
Ethyl Octanoate,
Ethyl Oleate,
Ethyl Palmitate,
Ethyl Phenylacetate,
Ethyl Propionate,
Ethyl Salicylate,
Ethyl trans-2-Butenoate,
Ethyl Valerate,
Ethyl Vanillin,
2-Ethyl (or Methyl)-(3,5 and 6)-Methoxypyrazine,
2-Ethyl-1-Hexanol, 3-Ethyl -2 -Hydroxy-2-Cyclopenten-1-One,
2-Ethyl-3, (5 or 6)-Dimethylpyrazine,
5-Ethyl-3-Hydroxy-4-Methyl-2(5H)-Furanone,
2-Ethyl-3-Methylpyrazine,
4-Ethylbenzaldehyde,
4-Ethylguaiacol,
para-Ethylphenol,
3-Ethylpyridine,
Eucalyptol,
Farnesol,
D-Fenchone,
Fennel Sweet Oil,
Fenugreek, Extract, Resin, and Absolute,
Fig Juice Concentrate,
Food Starch Modified,
Furfuryl Mercaptan,
4-(2-Furyl)-3-Buten-2-One,
Galbanum Oil,
Genet Absolute,
Gentian Root Extract,
Geraniol,
Geranium Rose Oil,
Geranyl Acetate,
Geranyl Butyrate,
Geranyl Formate,
Geranyl Isovalerate,
Geranyl Phenylacetate,
Ginger Oil and Oleoresin,
1-Glutamic Acid,
1-Glutamine,
Glycerol,
Glycyrrhizin Ammoniated,
Grape Juice Concentrate,
Guaiac Wood Oil,
Guaiacol,
Guar Gum,
2,4-Heptadienal,
gamma-Heptalactone,
Heptanoic Acid,
2-Heptanone,
3-Hepten-2-One,
2-Hepten-4-One,
4-Heptenal,
trans -2-Heptenal,
Heptyl Acetate,
omega-6-Hexadecenlactone,
gamma-Hexalactone,
Hexanal,
Hexanoic Acid,
2-Hexen-1-Ol,
3-Hexen-1-Ol,
cis-3-Hexen-1-Yl Acetate,
2-Hexenal,
3-Hexenoic Acid,
trans-2-Hexenoic Acid,
cis-3-Hexenyl Formate,
Hexyl 2-Methylbutyrate,
Hexyl Acetate,
Hexyl Alcohol,
Hexyl Phenylacetate,
1-Histidine,
Honey,
Hops Oil,
Hydrolyzed Milk Solids,
Hydrolyzed Plant Proteins,
5-Hydroxy-2,4-Decadienoic Acid delta- Lactone,
4-Hydroxy-2,5-Dimethyl-3(2H)-Furanone,
2-Hydroxy-3,5,5-Trimethyl-2-Cyclohexen-1-One,
4-Hydroxy -3-Pentenoic Acid Lactone,
2-Hydroxy-4-Methylbenzaldehyde,
4-Hydroxybutanoic Acid Lactone,
Hydroxycitronellal,
6-Hydroxydihydrotheaspirane,
4-(para-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-Butanone,
Hyssop Oil,
Immortelle Absolute and Extract,
alpha-Ionone,
beta-Ionone,
alpha-Irone,
Isoamyl Acetate,
Isoamyl Benzoate,
Isoamyl Butyrate,
Isoamyl Cinnamate,
Isoamyl Formate, Isoamyl Hexanoate,
Isoamyl Isovalerate,
Isoamyl Octanoate,
Isoamyl Phenylacetate,
Isobornyl Acetate,
Isobutyl Acetate,
Isobutyl Alcohol,
Isobutyl Cinnamate,
Isobutyl Phenylacetate,
Isobutyl Salicylate,
2-Isobutyl-3-Methoxypyrazine,
alpha-Isobutylphenethyl Alcohol,
Isobutyraldehyde,
Isobutyric Acid,
d,l-Isoleucine,
alpha-Isomethylionone,
2-Isopropylphenol,
Isovaleric Acid,
Jasmine Absolute, Concrete and Oil,
Kola Nut Extract,
Labdanum Absolute and Oleoresin,
Lactic Acid,
Lauric Acid,
Lauric Aldehyde,
Lavandin Oil,
Lavender Oil,
Lemon Oil and Extract,
Lemongrass Oil,
1-Leucine,
Levulinic Acid,
Licorice Root, Fluid, Extract and Powder,
Lime Oil ,
Linalool,
Linalool Oxide,
Linalyl Acetate,
Linden Flowers,
Lovage Oil And Extract,
1-Lysine,
Mace Powder, Extract and Oil ,
Magnesium Carbonate,
Malic Acid,
Malt and Malt Extract,
Maltodextrin,
Maltol,
Maltyl Isobutyrate,
Mandarin Oil,
Maple Syrup and Concentrate,
Mate Leaf, Absolute and Oil,
para-Mentha-8-Thiol-3-One,
Menthol,
Menthone,
Menthyl Acetate,
dl-Methionine,
Methoprene,
2-Methoxy-4-Methylphenol,
2-Methoxy-4-Vinylphenol,
para-Methoxybenzaldehyde,
1-(para-Methoxyphenyl)-1-Penten-3-One,
4-(para-Methoxyphenyl)-2-Butanone,
1-(para-Methoxyphenyl)-2-Propanone,
Methoxypyrazine,
Methyl 2-Furoate,
Methyl 2-Octynoate,
Methyl 2-Pyrrolyl Ketone,
Methyl Anisate,
Methyl Anthranilate,
Methyl Benzoate,
Methyl Cinnamate,
Methyl Dihydrojasmonate,
Methyl Ester of Rosin, Partially Hydrogenated,
Methyl Isovalerate,
Methyl Linoleate (48%),
Methyl Linolenate (52%) Mixture,
Methyl Naphthyl Ketone,
Methyl Nicotinate,
Methyl Phenylacetate,
Methyl Salicylate,
Methyl Sulfide,
3-Methyl-1-Cyclopentadecanone,
4-Methyl-1-Phenyl-2-Pentanone,
5-Methyl-2-Phenyl-2-Hexenal,
5-Methyl-2-Thiophenecarboxaldehyde,
6-Methyl-3,-5-Heptadien-2-One,
2-Methyl-3-(para-Isopropylphenyl) Propionaldehyde,
5-Methyl-3-Hexen-2-One,
1-Methyl-3Methoxy-4-Isopropylbenzene,
4-Methyl-3-Pentene-2-One,
2-Methyl-4-Phenylbutyraldehyde,
6-Methyl-5-Hepten-2-One,
4-Methyl-5-Thiazoleethanol,
4-Methyl-5-Vinylthiazole,
Methyl-alpha-Ionone,
Methyl-trans-2-Butenoic Acid,
4-Methylacetophenone,
para-Methylanisole,
alpha-Methylbenzyl Acetate,
alpha-Methylbenzyl Alcohol,
2-Methylbutyraldehyde,
3-Methylbutyraldehyde,
2-Methylbutyric Acid,
alpha-Methylcinnamaldehyde,
Methylcyclopentenolone,
2-Methylheptanoic Acid,
2-Methylhexanoic Acid,
3-Methylpentanoic Acid,
4-Methylpentanoic Acid,
2-Methylpyrazine,
5-Methylquinoxaline,
2-Methyltetrahydrofuran-3-One,
(Methylthio)Methylpyrazine (Mixture Of Isomers),
3-Methylthiopropionaldehyde,
Methyl 3-Methylthiopropionate,
2-Methylvaleric Acid,
Mimosa Absolute and Extract,
Molasses Extract and Tincture,
Mountain Maple Solid Extract,
Mullein Flowers,
Myristaldehyde,
Myristic Acid,
Myrrh Oil,
beta-Napthyl Ethyl Ether,
Nerol,
Neroli Bigarde Oil,
Nerolidol,
Nona-2-trans,6-cis-Dienal,
2,6-Nonadien-1-Ol,
gamma-Nonalactone,
Nonanal,
Nonanoic Acid,
Nonanone,
trans-2-Nonen-1-Ol,
2-Nonenal,
Nonyl Acetate,
Nutmeg Powder and Oil,
Oak Chips Extract and Oil,
Oak Moss Absolute,
9,12-Octadecadienoic Acid (48%) And 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic Acid (52%),
delta-Octalactone,
gamma-Octalactone,
Octanal,
Octanoic Acid,
1-Octanol,
2-Octanone,
3-Octen-2-One,
1-Octen-3-Ol,
1-Octen-3-Yl Acetate,
2-Octenal,
Octyl Isobutyrate,
Oleic Acid ,
Olibanum Oil,
Opoponax Oil And Gum,
Orange Blossoms Water, Absolute, and Leaf Absolute,
Orange Oil and Extract,
Origanum Oil,
Orris Concrete Oil and Root Extract,
Palmarosa Oil,
Palmitic Acid,
Parsley Seed Oil,
Patchouli Oil,
omega-Pentadecalactone,
2,3-Pentanedione,
2-Pentanone,
4-Pentenoic Acid,
2-Pentylpyridine,
Pepper Oil, Black And White,
Peppermint Oil,
Peruvian (Bois De Rose) Oil,
Petitgrain Absolute, Mandarin Oil and Terpeneless Oil,
alpha-Phellandrene,
2-Phenenthyl Acetate,
Phenenthyl Alcohol,
Phenethyl Butyrate,
Phenethyl Cinnamate,
Phenethyl Isobutyrate,
Phenethyl Isovalerate,
Phenethyl Phenylacetate,
Phenethyl Salicylate,
1-Phenyl-1-Propanol,
3-Phenyl-1-Propanol,
2-Phenyl-2-Butenal,
4-Phenyl-3-Buten-2-Ol,
4-Phenyl-3-Buten-2-One,
Phenylacetaldehyde,
Phenylacetic Acid,
1-Phenylalanine,
3-Phenylpropionaldehyde,
3-Phenylpropionic Acid,
3-Phenylpropyl Acetate,
3-Phenylpropyl Cinnamate,
2-(3-Phenylpropyl)Tetrahydrofuran,
Phosphoric Acid,
Pimenta Leaf Oil,
Pine Needle Oil, Pine Oil, Scotch,
Pineapple Juice Concentrate,
alpha-Pinene, beta-Pinene,
D-Piperitone,
Piperonal,
Pipsissewa Leaf Extract,
Plum Juice,
Potassium Sorbate,
1-Proline,
Propenylguaethol,
Propionic Acid,
Propyl Acetate,
Propyl para-Hydroxybenzoate,
Propylene Glycol,
3-Propylidenephthalide,
Prune Juice and Concentrate,
Pyridine,
Pyroligneous Acid And Extract,

Pyrrole,
Pyruvic Acid,
Raisin Juice Concentrate,
Rhodinol,
Rose Absolute and Oil,
Rosemary Oil,
Rum,
Rum Ether,
Rye Extract,
Sage, Sage Oil, and Sage Oleoresin,
Salicylaldehyde,
Sandalwood Oil, Yellow,
Sclareolide,
Skatole,
Smoke Flavor,
Snakeroot Oil,
Sodium Acetate,
Sodium Benzoate,
Sodium Bicarbonate,
Sodium Carbonate,
Sodium Chloride,
Sodium Citrate,
Sodium Hydroxide,
Solanone,
Spearmint Oil,
Styrax Extract, Gum and Oil,
Sucrose Octaacetate,
Sugar Alcohols,
Sugars,
Tagetes Oil,
Tannic Acid,
Tartaric Acid,
Tea Leaf and Absolute,
alpha-Terpineol,
Terpinolene,
Terpinyl Acetate,
5,6,7,8-Tetrahydroquinoxaline,
1,5,5,9-Tetramethyl-13-Oxatricyclo(8.3.0.0(4,9))Tridecane,
2,3,4,5, and 3,4,5,6-Tetramethylethyl-Cyclohexanone,
2,3,5,6-Tetramethylpyrazine,
Thiamine Hydrochloride,
Thiazole,
1-Threonine,
Thyme Oil, White and Red,
Thymol,
Tobacco Extracts,
Tochopherols (mixed),
Tolu Balsam Gum and Extract,
Tolualdehydes,
para-Tolyl 3-Methylbutyrate,
para-Tolyl Acetaldehyde,
para-Tolyl Acetate,
para-Tolyl Isobutyrate,
para-Tolyl Phenylacetate,
Triacetin,
2-Tridecanone,
2-Tridecenal,
Triethyl Citrate,
3,5,5-Trimethyl -1-Hexanol,
para,alpha,alpha-Trimethylbenzyl Alcohol,
4-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-1-Enyl)But-2-En-4-One,
2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohex-2-Ene-1,4-Dione,
2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-Dienyl Methan,
4-(2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-Dienyl)But-2-En-4-One,
2,2,6-Trimethylcyclohexanone,
2,3,5-Trimethylpyrazine,
1-Tyrosine,
delta-Undercalactone,
gamma-Undecalactone,
Undecanal,
2-Undecanone, 1
0-Undecenal,
Urea,
Valencene,
Valeraldehyde,
Valerian Root Extract, Oil and Powder,
Valeric Acid,
gamma-Valerolactone,
Valine,
Vanilla Extract And Oleoresin,
Vanillin,
Veratraldehyde,
Vetiver Oil,
Vinegar,
Violet Leaf Absolute,
Walnut Hull Extract,
Water,
Wheat Extract And Flour,
Wild Cherry Bark Extract,
Wine and Wine Sherry,
Xanthan Gum,
3,4-Xylenol,
Yeast



source: www.quitsmokingsupport.com

Legislating A New Low

The Feel-Good laws have reached a new height of absurdity here in New Jersey. One of the latest bills to be submitted to the legislature attempts to make flavored tobacco products illegal. The revised version limits the new law to cigarettes, for now.

The so-called "logic" behind this bill is that delicious flavorings like chocolate and fruits make tobacco products attractive to children. The super-geniuses in our legislature have decided that they must pass a law making flavored tobacco illegal. Of course it is illegal to sell tobacco products to children, so this ridiculous law makes no sense; unless you are "just blowing smoke" and pretending to actually care about 'public health', children, or whatever else may get you re-elected. Is alcohol next?

Professional Disclaimer: Professional Tobacconists and moral professionals go to great lengths to protect children and abide by legal age limits. The NJ legal tobacco smoking age is 19.

Personal Disclaimer: I personally do not favor tobacco with any additives or flavorings. But I fully support any adult who does.

Why would you pass a law restricting choice, commerce, freedom, and taste to protect a class of people that are already protected? Is that American? Is that reasonable? Does it make any sense?

The sponsors of this bill and any legislator voting to support it have reached a new low. I hope that they stop wasting our time and money on these empty, politically self-serving laws. The only thing worse than wasting our time and money is what they might have accomplished if they actually focused on something substantive. History will not judge them or their hysterical compulsions favorably. Where are the great thinkers, minds, and statesmen of our time? Certainly not in New Jersey.

And ohhhhh , the hypocrisy!!! They will allow menthol and mint flavored cigarettes. Why? you may ask. Probably because if they don't, the full force of the cigarette tobacco lobby will come down upon them. By limiting this new law to 'other' flavorings, NJ legislators are avoiding infringing on a massive profit vehicle for the major cigarette companies. Ultimately, only the smaller companies will be effected. Sadly, the most moderate and healthy consumers will be the ones hurt: The majority of people who smoke cherry, chocolate, vanilla, rose, or other specialty cigarettes are usually infrequent, once a month, or once a week smokers. People who occasionally want to have a premium cigarette ( healthy smokers), are having their rights usurped. And, as usual, the the little guy, with the little voice suffers. Bit by bit, this is the erosion of freedom and democracy.

Check it out: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bills/BillView.asp?BillNumber=S1400

"The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee reports favorably and with amendments Senate Bill No. 1400.
As amended, this bill prohibits the sale of certain flavored cigarettes in New Jersey.
The bill prohibits selling or furnishing to a person a cigarette made of tobacco, or any component thereof, which contains a natural or artificial constituent or additive that causes the cigarette or any smoke emanating from the cigarette to have a characterizing flavor that is attractive to youth.
Specifically, the prohibition applies to cigarettes with characterizing flavors other than tobacco or menthol, such that the cigarette or any smoke emanating from that product imparts a distinguishable flavor, taste or aroma prior to or during consumption, including, but not limited to, any fruit, chocolate, vanilla, honey, candy, cocoa, dessert, alcoholic beverage, herb or spice flavoring; ...."

"According to public health experts, the existence of these products increases the incidence of tobacco use among children;
c The earlier a person begins using tobacco, the more likely the person will become addicted to tobacco products and continue to smoke throughout that person's life;
d. As a result, flavored 1[tobacco products] cigarettes1 lead to increased tobacco use and addiction, higher health care costs, and a greater incidence of smoking-related illness and death; and
e. Therefore, flavored cigarettes 1[and other tobacco products]1 pose a significant threat to the health of the general public..."

"Tobacco" vs. Cigarettes ?

Today, 95% of the money generated by the tobacco industry is from Cigarettes. As a result, most people associate the word tobacco with ”Cigarettes”. When people discuss the negative health effects of “tobacco”, they actually mean “Cigarettes”. Print publications, the media, politicians, and even the TSA Agreements use the word “tobacco” when referring specifically to “Cigarettes”. In the public realm, there is little distinction made between different types of tobacco, consumers, or consumption patterns. “Tobacco” is a bad word in contemporary society, yet this is a misnomer. The political, social, and cultural turmoil over one product, Cigarettes, has besmirched a much broader and more profound industry.

* This is an excerpt from the soon to be posted "A Brief History of Cigarettes" section of Tobacco College.

Health & Morality Are NOT Related

In my view, there are two fundamentally incorrect issues upon which all anti-smoking and clean-air legislation are predicated. The first mistake is for legislators and the public to accept the notion that PRIVATE BUSINESSES are PUBLIC SPACES: they are not! Government buildings, "Public" Transportation, and any non-outdoor space where people do not have a reasonable choice to be are PUBLIC SPACES. Otherwise, Americans, and Citizens of Earth have inalienable rights to CHOOSE where they are or where they are going. If you don't like smoke, don't patronize establishments that allow it, don't seek employment there either if you have a problem with it. But it is not any one's right to determine what legal practices are allowed inside private businesses. I choose not to patronize loud bars and/or nightclubs, and I even avoid boisterous college-like drinking environments. This is my personal preference. For me, these are unhealthy and/or unpleasant environments. I fully support people's rights to go out and behave like idiots and I wouldn't expect my legislative representatives to pass a law against it just because I don't like or approve of it. But with smoking, 75% of the population is determining the rights and freedoms of the unpopular 25%. (This refers specifically to cigarette smokers. While the National Cancer Institute says that there are no known negative health consequences from moderate cigar and pipe consumption (less than one per day), the word "Tobacco" continues to be used when specifically referring to cigarettes. Sadly, this mis-use of the language besmirches the reputation for all tobacco. But this posting is not about luxury tobacco, it is about freedom.)

The second, and biggest fundamental flaw with anti-smoking zealots is the position, whether overt or covert, that smoking is immoral. I just read an article where a PA legislator said that "smoking is dirty" and the obvious extension of the statement is that Smokers Are Dirty. This is the prevailing mentality of the society we live in: Smoking is dirty and unhealthy. The population is convinced that any exposure to environmental tobacco smoke is going to kill you. Legislators often use the argument that "if it save just one life it is worth it". But this mentality is absurd: it is a cancer on our society. I have said it before, but I will reiterate: In the name of the health and welfare of the population, they can take away every right and freedom we have.

We need a society and laws that help educate and enlighten people, not laws that restrict our freedoms. People should have the right to CHOOSE. Choose what you eat, where you live, who you associate with, if you smoke, what to drink, etc... But our legislators enact laws limiting our choices and actions. The right to make personal choices and to define your own life is central to the American philosophy. As long as your freedoms do not hinder another's, there should be no laws standing between me and my choices. But I digress...

Ultimately, what you smoke, eat, drink, think, and do is your own business. It is only immoral if you infringe upon or hurt someone else in the process. Currently, the greatest societal immorality of all is when legislators enact laws that limit our choice and freedom. The tide will turn one day and we will realize that we have whittled away the American dream in an effort to pass feel good laws under the pretense of protecting people. What we really need is protection from those who are taking away our freedoms. I'm waiting for the greatest minds of our generation to step up and fight real injustice............. still waiting....

Here is a link to the article which prompted this posting. While the article was flattering to me, it is sad that the politicians who propose this smoking ban are getting exactly what they want: more feel-good publicity. http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/137-03182007-1316168.html

I Love Tobacconists

I feel remiss in not having written in a couple of weeks..... but I would like to follow up and say that the Tobacconist University Certified Lapel Pins finally arrived and they ARE Spectacular!!!!

But that is not why I am inspired to write today. I just came from a meeting of our State Retailers association. It is a unique group filled with retailers from all walks of life. Our members are Retail Tobacconists with different specialties and stores that serve very different markets. To put it mildly, it is a diverse group. I'm amazed at the diversity of opinions in our meetings. While we are all essentially in the same profession, you would think we weren't. It is amazing to see so much disagreement and lack of consensus. But that is par for the course in the tobacco industry: cigarettes pitted against cigars, retail against mail order, etc.... We are severely fractionalized, divided, and constantly on the defensive: fighting legislators, taxation, oppression, and sometimes ourselves. Even with all of the different opinions floating around in that room, and different agendas, there are some underlying commonalities, which I admire and respect greatly. I didn't start writing this to complain about my fellow Tobacconists. In fact, I leave these regular meetings a little frustrated at the state of our State and Nation, but I also leave rejuvenated. I'm not rejuvenated because we came to any sound conclusions or had any great ideas. I'm invigorated because I'm reminded of why I choose to stay in this industry. Stay and fight for what I believe in; both in terms of freedoms and values. Above all, most Tobacconists I meet are GREAT people. Sometimes I think they are the only people left who actually care about the products they sell. We are Customers, first and foremost. And we are committed to what we love, no matter the challenges, because our passion is undeniable. I can't think of any other profession facing so many obstacles. Yet I have never seen so many fine people so committed to fighting the good fight and doing the right thing. Sure I'm biased, but that doesn't change the fact that I Love Tobacconists... and you should too. Don't let this part of our culture, this venerable profession, die. Support your local Retail Tobacconist, and tell your friends to do so as well. I would argue that nobody works harder to satisfy their customers, than Retail Tobacconists.... and I promise you, they aren't doing it just for the money.

The Dose Makes the Poison

Perhaps it is my life's mission to bring some credibility back to luxury tobacco, and help separate this civilized, natural pursuit from nicotine delivery systems (chemically enhanced cigarettes). The physiology of nicotine absorption is the key to understanding why cigarettes are addictive and cigars and pipe tobaccos are not. As with so many of the things we consume in a healthy manner, the dose is what makes the poison. Extremely high levels of almost any substance will hurt us. With nicotine, the quantity that is absorbed by the body, and the frequency at which we absorb it, determines whether or not it is addictive. Cigarettes are generally made from light tobaccos which are easily inhaled. Cigarette smoke, and all of the chemicals and carcinogens that come with it, are easily absorbed by the lungs. Cigar and Pipe smoke is not inhaled, and therefore the nicotine that is absorbed throughout the mouth is far less than with cigarettes. This is the fundamental reason why Cigar and Pipe smokers do not suffer from addiction like cigarette smokers. In addition, premium cigars and pipe tobaccos do not contain the chemicals and additives which are common in commercial cigarettes. Ultimately, the time you take to savor a quality cigar or pipe tobacco is the real reward, not the ingestion of small amounts of nicotine.