Ciggyfree Blog

WASHINGTON – The Food and Drug Administration may soon have the ability to regulate sales, distribution and advertising of tobacco products, but it would not be allowed to require removal of nicotine from cigarettes.Nicotine, the most addictive ingredient in a cigarette, increases the level of the dopamine neurotransmitters in the brain. Dopamine controls many important responses in the brain, such as behavior. Nicotine spreads in the brain within a few minutes of the first inhalation, creating feelings of reward, which then cause the smoker to continue smoking.

“People may smoke for non-nicotine reasons, but it is the nicotine that is the primary addictive component of cigarettes,” said Dr. Allison Chausmer from the National Institute of Drug Abuse.

Although the FDA would not be able to get rid of nicotine altogether under the bill being considered by Congress, it would have the power to reduce nicotine levels in tobacco products. The possible benefits for smokers, just like the bill, remain debatable.