Kansas Does its Best to Represent the Cigar Industry Fairly

The fight against smoking bans and increased taxes on tobacco doesn’t appear as if it will end in the near future, so it is nice to know that the industry has strong ally that will back it up. The ally in this case is the state of Kansas, as Cigar Rights of America (CRA) reported that it is the first state to have full support of H.R. 1639 from all of its members in the U.S. House of Representatives. H.R. 1639 is a bill aimed at keeping premium cigars exempt from FDA regulation, and is seen as a huge point of interest in the fight to protect cigar smokers, manufacturers, and retailers from excessive legislation.

CRA applauded Kansas’ Rep. Tim Huelskamp, Rep. Lynn Jenkins, Rep. Mike Pompeo, and Rep. Kevin Yoder for participating as co-sponsors of the bill, and hope that they have set a positive example for other states to follow. They have officially become part of an increasing list of H.R. 1639 co-sponsors from around the United States. The good news has opened up the door for the CRA and the International Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) to solicit the support of Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Pat Roberts to support the Senate companion bill S. 1461 as well, so things definitely seem to be moving in a positive direction for cigar rights in the Midwest.

Such support is vital, as the FDA announced its intent to regulate cigars beginning last year. According to the CRA, if successful, regulation could include a ban on mail-order cigar sales, walk-in humidors, cigar events with free samples, cigar merchandise, and flavored cigars. FDA regulation could also mean the implementation of limits nicotine levels in cigars, so-called “user fees”, and limits on small-batch cigars. The FDA might look to place graphic images on cigar boxes to deter smoking as well.

To prevent FDA regulation and any further deterioration of the cigar industry, CRA asks that you take action by pledging support for H.R. 1639 and S. 1461 through its website, www.cigarrights.org.