Philip Morris International (PMI)’s Chief Executive Officer André Calantzopoulos on September 24 said that cigarette sales could end within 10 to 15 years in many countries with support from civil society and right regulatory encouragement.
PMI, which manufactures cigarette brands like Marlboro, has previously said that it is pushing towards “smoke-free” products that are a “much better choice than cigarette smoking”.
Calantzopoulos made the comments at the Concordia Annual Summit, which coincides with the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting, and brings together leaders from the world of business, governments and non-profit organisations, for a dialogue.
“A future in which cigarettes are obsolete is within reach. In fact, with the right regulatory encouragement and support from civil society, we believe cigarette sales can end within 10 to 15 years in many countries. Yes, that’s right: an end to cigarettes within 10 to 15 years in many countries,” Calantzopoulos said.
However, he cautioned that “political agendas and ideology are slowing progress and keeping millions of people uninformed”.
Calantzopoulos argued that instead of having an “evidence-based conversation” on how to regulate innovative products to help adults quit smoking cigarettes, “we are often faced with an ideologically driven resistance from some public health organizations and some NGOs”.
He claimed that more than 11.2 million people had already switched to the cigarette and tobacco manufacturing giant’s main smoke-free product and stopped smoking. “Many more have switched to other smoke-free alternatives that are better than continued smoking. This is a profound public health achievement,” he added.
Calantzopoulos also warned that a smoke-free future is “not yet guaranteed” and it will require adherence to science, collaboration and a “commitment to accelerate information to the people most directly concerned”.
Jaredlong on September 25th, 2020 at 16:28 UTC »
"Many more have switched to other smoke-free alternatives"
Don't worry, they're still in the nicotine addiction business.
devasohouse on September 25th, 2020 at 16:28 UTC »
Years of chest pains after taking the stairs, wheezing every morning and coughing up phlem, my niece telling me I stink at her birthday party in front of everyone...
Smoked for 20 years and quit about 4 years ago and the best part besides saving money is I haven't been sick since
LATE EDIT: late to the edit, but still thought I would offer my story. I quit because I had a daughter on the way. For some reason a life changing event made it just a little bit easier. After I quite, I avoided trigger spots or really anything in life that would trigger a cig.
I drove a different route to work. Sounds silly, but as I would smoke I my commute, I would have certain stops along the way that I would light a cigarette. Usually this was a highway exit or a specific stop light. It was a daily routine that I knew I had to change otherwise it would have made it much, much harder.
I couldn't go into a gas station for about 6 months to almost a year I think. I avoided the one place I bought the cigs.
Yes, I did lose friends over it, prepare to understand that. Especially at work. But I also lost the repeat bummers, some of which I estimated to be almost a pack a month from me.
Anytime I had a craving, I would brush my teeth. I absolutley hated smoking right after I brushed my teeth, so this really helped to curb it.
Honestly, main advice is this is a habit that you must break and your mind/body are going to fight you for 2 weeks. It's best to be secluded as best you can. This is why I suggest changing your daily habits if you can.
Lastly, and this is cheesy but true... YOU HAVE TO WANT TO QUIT. countless times I tried to quit and fought myself because I wanted a cigarette, which meant I really didn't want to quit. it was finally when I convinced myself that I did not want a cigarette, is when I realized that I did in fact want to quite smoking.
beaupipe on September 25th, 2020 at 15:57 UTC »
They'll just sell weed instead.