California has banned Newports and other menthol cigarettes, following a similar measure approved in Massachusetts last year. Menthol cigarettes have long been on policy makers’ radar. The Food and Drug Administration concluded in 2013 that menthols were harder to quit and likely posed a greater health risk than regular cigarette. In 2018, the agency said it was working on banning menthol-flavored cigarettes and cigars.

Source: Wall Street Journal August 28, 2020 18:31 UTC