I am in favour of banning the sale of cigarettes, but not the personal cultivation and consumption of tobacco.
At a personal level, I really dislike cigarette smoke and I don't trust the tobacco industry one bit. I believe that cigarettes are a deadly product that has been marketed in a deceptive and predatory way over the years. I also believe that the tobacco industry has done a great deal of harm to public health, both through its products and its lobbying efforts.
However, I am generally not in favour of banning things. I believe that people should have the freedom to make their own choices, even if those choices are harmful to themselves. I also believe that prohibition often has unintended consequences, such as creating black markets and increasing crime.
For these reasons, I believe that the best way to reduce smoking rates is to make it more difficult for people to buy cigarettes. Banning the sale of cigarettes would make it much harder for young people to start smoking, and it would also make it more difficult for people who are trying to quit.
I recognize that there are some people who have a genuine appreciation for tobacco and its culture.For this reason, I believe that it is important to allow people to grow and consume their own tobacco, even if cigarettes are banned. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-67010681
@wiredfire I agree, which is why if people smoke they should do it by themselves and not be allowed to subject others to their smoke. But if someone wants to be alone in their shed smoking till they drop, sure, do it. I'd maintain and even strengthen the existing laws to prevent others from being subjected to cigarette smoke.
@gpowerf feels like that would be the best outcome to me!
@gpowerf “ even if those choices are harmful to themselves”
Problem is smoking is not limited to harming those who smoke. Since the ban in pubs etc it’s much much better, of course, but I still object to unexpectedly walking through a cloud of carcinogens out and about.