The end of ‘light’ cigarettes

The World

In response to studies that have shown people inaccurately believe light cigarettes are “healthier” for them, Congress included a new rule in a tobacco bill last year banning cigarette makers from using misleading terms like “light,” “mild,” or “low” from their marketing. However, as that rule is set to go into effect, tobacco companies are finding all sorts of creative ways around the rule.

Starting next Tuesday, smokers will no longer be able to buy a product called Marlboro Lights, but they will be able to buy the same cigarettes in the same gold box. Our friendLouise Story, of our partner The New York Times, stops by to tell us more about the newest battle in the tobacco wars.

Are you with The World?

The story you just read is available to read for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, the reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.

When you make a gift of $10 or more a month, we’ll invite you to a virtual behind-the-scenes tour of our newsroom to thank you for being with The World.