The Biden administration has postponed making a decision on whether to ban menthol cigarettes. The delay comes as federal officials need more time to consider the move. The proposal has faced opposition from tobacco companies concerned about losing billions of dollars. Additionally, the ban has presented risks for President Biden in an election year due to his weakening support among Black voters who view it as heavy-handed. The delay contradicts the efforts of federal regulators who believe a ban could save lives and reduce lung cancer deaths. Public health groups argue that menthol cigarettes, which target African-American smokers, make it easier to start and harder to quit smoking.
