Tobacco in the United States

Tobacco has a long history in the United States and in recent years controversy has arisen due to the suppression of studies on the health effects of smoking.

History of commercial tobacco

Commercial tobacco production dates back to the 17th century when the first commercial crop was planted. The industry originated in the production of tobacco for pipes and snuff. Different war efforts in the world created a shift in demand and production of tobacco in the world and the American colonies. With the advent of the American Revolution trade with the colonies was interrupted which shifted trade to other countries in the world. During this shift there was an increase in demand for tobacco in the United States, where the demand for tobacco in the form of cigars and chewing tobacco increased. Other wars, such as the War of 1812 would introduce the Andalusian cigarette to the rest of Europe. This, accompanied with the American Civil War changed the production of tobacco in America to the manufactured cigarette.

Legislation

Companies and products

Some of the notable tobacco companies in the US are:

U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company

Flue-cured tobacco
Burley tobacco
Marlboro, a brand of cigarettes made by Philip Morris USA

Lobbying and organizations

There has been intensive lobbying in the US to portray smoking as a harmelss activity. The Insider is a 1999 feature film about the production of a news segment exposing Big Tobacco.

Lobbyists include:

References

History of commercial tobacco

Legislation

Companies and products

Lobbying and organizations

See also

References