Why Governments Prefer Cigarette Revenue over Safer Alternatives

Why Governments Prefer Cigarette Revenue over Safer Alternatives

In December 2024, Congress did something unusual: it introduced a bill that openly acknowledges tobacco harm reduction. The POUCH Act of 2024, sponsored by Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI) and co-sponsored by Rep. Don Davis (D-NC), aims to prevent states and cities from banning or restricting FDA–authorized lower-risk products, including modern nicotine pouches and vaping products. It is a modest bill, but one that finally moves federal policy in a sens…