Prof. Lewis to Study Regulation of Small Cigars

Prof. Browne Lewis, who is the Leon & Gloria Plevin Professor of Law and the Director of the Center for Health Law & Policy C|M|LAW, has been chosen as one of six Scholars in Residence by the Network for Public Health Law and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. From the full press release, here is a summary of the research project Prof. Lewis will be undertaking –

Where There Is Smoke: Regulating the Sale and Marketing of Small Cigars

Currently, state and federal preemption prevents local governments from regulating the labeling, marketing and sale of small cigars. Cigars have fewer federal regulations than cigarettes and they are taxed at a lower rate. As a result, the tobacco industry has put a lot of resources into the manufacturing and marketing of small cigars. The use of small cigars among young adults has increased by over 123 percent. Until the federal government regulates little cigars as cigarettes instead of cigars, cities have to take steps to protect young people from being exposed to them. Professor Lewis will work with both the Cleveland Department of Public Health and the Shaker Heights Department of Public Health to examine potential ways to remove the barriers to the local regulation of small cigars.