Heres a new one to argue about (for the smokers)

[Chrisj CMA]

A new tobacco shop opened up in our town.  They make cigarrettes out of natural tobacco, not filled with extra nicotine and chemicals.  They cost HALF what the name brand costs and they can duplicate your "taste" whatever brand you like.   They tell you when you buy them that you wont feel the relief from your need for nicotine like you do with store bought cigs because you are only getting the natural amount of nicotine. The big guys add more nicotine to make sure you get addicted!

Heres the kicker, these cigarettes are less dangerous, less addictive and will help my wife quit smoking, but....... and heres the big BUT

The government is on the attack, they have made very strict rules (like a game even) that must be followed to a "T" or there are huge fines, and the government actually has people come in posing as "customers" trying to trick them up ALL THE TIME.  We can afford these kind of tobacco police?

The only reason for this harrasement is that they are a threat to big tobacco companies and the big guys line the pockets of the politicians.............gubberment at its finest, dont give a crap about jobs, or health.........get paid off by the lobbyists and then protect its own interests.

[The Anvil]

The only reason for this harrasement is that they are a threat to big tobacco companies and the big guys line the pockets of the politicians.............gubberment at its finest, dont give a crap about jobs, or health.........get paid off by the lobbyists and then protect its own interests.

Other people will tell you that the government has tried to legislate big tobacco out of business.

[Jess from VA]

At least half the Federal regulations and regulators need sh1t canned.  That's a fact.

Book burning is not my kind of action........ regulation burning would be worth attending.

[DarkMeister]

And yet... Recently read an article about this prominent medical researcher urging the government to step back and chill. Smoking is a killer. Nicotine is addictive. OK fine. Many people want to quit but relapse. Nicorettes, patches, yada-yada - fail. Cold turkey - low success rate. But the health freaks stomp on everything and anything. Smoking? Lung cancer. Smokeless tobacco? Throat and mouth cancer. Anyway, this guy is admitting that long-term quit success may be a gradual process and that government ease off on smokeless products and recognize them as a step in the right direction, part of a quitting process. We all know it's not healthy, but it helps lose the smoking habit first, followed by eventual, easier, addiction loss.
Here in my area there are several Native reservations that produce and sell smokes. Millions are spent by the government on 'enforcement' to restrict their sale. Natives boast the lack of additives, the numerous chemicals the big makers use. Everything from flame-retardant stuff, to what makes an unattended smoke die off, to 'taste' chemicals. I think it's all about taxes - the gov't wants their cut.

[..]

A new tobacco shop opened up in our town.  They make cigarrettes out of natural tobacco, not filled with extra nicotine and chemicals.  They cost HALF what the name brand costs and they can duplicate your "taste" whatever brand you like.   They tell you when you buy them that you wont feel the relief from your need for nicotine like you do with store bought cigs because you are only getting the natural amount of nicotine. The big guys add more nicotine to make sure you get addicted!

Heres the kicker, these cigarettes are less dangerous, less addictive and will help my wife quit smoking, but....... and heres the big BUT

The government is on the attack, they have made very strict rules (like a game even) that must be followed to a "T" or there are huge fines, and the government actually has people come in posing as "customers" trying to trick them up ALL THE TIME.  We can afford these kind of tobacco police?

The only reason for this harrasement is that they are a threat to big tobacco companies and the big guys line the pockets of the politicians.............gubberment at its finest, dont give a crap about jobs, or health.........get paid off by the lobbyists and then protect its own interests.

How much tax on them compared to "normal" cancer sticks?

[Chrisj CMA]

probably the same taxes, not sure though....but theres no question the government is trying to put these people out of business.  I am angry that we are paying government workers to go around trying to get a "slip up" of the silly rules so they can levey fines and most likely put a business OUT of business

[DarkMeister]

Around here the government uses school kids as 'spy shoppers' to try and buy smokes from convenience stores and such. Then bust'em. Major Big Brother stuff.

[Chrisj CMA]

Around here the government uses school kids as 'spy shoppers' to try and buy smokes from convenience stores and such. Then bust'em. Major Big Brother stuff.

Worst thing you ever want to hear   "we're from the government, we're here to help"

RUN...RUN...RUN

We need some serious house cleaning up there in brain deadsville (DC)

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

At least half the Federal regulations and regulators need sh1t canned.  That's a fact.

Book burning is not my kind of action........ regulation burning would be worth attending.

Yep, Yep, Yep and Yep.

[Steve K (IA)]

Around here the government uses school kids as 'spy shoppers' to try and buy smokes from convenience stores and such. Then bust'em. Major Big Brother stuff.

That has been going on here in Iowa for years.  The cops get underage kids who may look older than they are to try and buy cigarettes or alcohol.  And then the clerk, not the owner of the store, gets a HUGE fine.  Talk about entrapment.

[alph]

why can't a person grow their own tobacco?  (i don't smoke so i don't have a clue reguarding how it's all done)

my cousin use to grow his own pot, dried it, and smoked it, all the time, so why couldn't a person do the same with regular tobacco?  i can grow tomato's in my back yard, even an apple or two, so why not tobacco??  plus, you can make it organic!  think of how healthy that could be!!   

[Chrisj CMA]

why can't a person grow their own tobacco?  (i don't smoke so i don't have a clue reguarding how it's all done)

my cousin use to grow his own pot, dried it, and smoked it, all the time, so why couldn't a person do the same with regular tobacco?  i can grow tomato's in my back yard, even an apple or two, so why not tobacco??  plus, you can make it organic!  think of how healthy that could be!!   

You can grow your own....the rules come in when you try to make money on your crop

[hotglue #43]

I grew my own.... totaly legal.... unless you sell it.... I have 2 years worth hanging in the barn. It's been hanging a year and is ageing nicely.  Sure smells good in the barn!!!!!!!
It is pretty labor intensive!!!!

Lots of info here:  http://www.howtogrowtobacco.com/

I saved seed and have Thousands of seeds of 6 varieties....  pm me if ya want some to try to grow some.

[The Anvil]

Around here the government uses school kids as 'spy shoppers' to try and buy smokes from convenience stores and such. Then bust'em. Major Big Brother stuff.

That has been going on here in Iowa for years.  The cops get underage kids who may look older than they are to try and buy cigarettes or alcohol.  And then the clerk, not the owner of the store, gets a HUGE fine.  Talk about entrapment.

I don't have a problem with that. You're supposed to ID. Them's the rules, follow em. I like the fact that they ticket the clerk since it's their negligence.

[DarkMeister]

Around here we have:
- kid shoppers
- tobacco is now behind closed doors, no display allowed
- packs have grotesque pictures on them, by law 50% of package face
- push to have no brand displayed on packs (generic)
- stamp seal around bottom to prove 'duty-paid' status.

So I need a Bowie knife to open a pack of smokes I paid good bucks for, or ruin the container before taking the first smoke out. I stand in line while the clerk fumbles around, opening 20 different cabinets, in order to find my smokes. While the line behind me resents me the way I resent someone checking a dozen lottery tickets and choosing a dozen more in a gas station. The pics are cute and no deterrent - except, maybe, the one that shows a drooping ash, stating that impotence can happen.

So, finally, W T F ??? I ask myself, as I stand in snow, sucking one down like a leper. (Local government doesn't allow outdoor shelters for smokers). Ban the damn stuff already, if it's that awful. But noooo...it's a cash cow for the gub'mint.
I can hear the non-smokers (or worse, reformed, former smokers): Cry me a river, with your filthy habit. Oh well. Ain't no 'habit'. Habit is grabbing a Stephen King novel on each trip to the crapper. This is an addiction, worse then heroin. That, and a product of a time when it was 'normal'.
Personally, I'd love to be a non-smoker. Especially during long flights, or day-long meetings. But the gov doesn't make it easy, aside from taking 70% of money I spend on smokes whilst telling me how bad I am.

[Big G]

Hey!! How about the name and Ph# of that store sure would like to contact them and see if they'll send me some I'm in florida. even with shipping it's gotta be cheaper.

[Chrisj CMA]

Hey!! How about the name and Ph# of that store sure would like to contact them and see if they'll send me some I'm in florida. even with shipping it's gotta be cheaper.

Nope, thats one of the wierd rules......YOU have to push the start button TWICE on their machine which means even if yo are local you cant call in an order and have it ready for pick up.....you must be there

[ricoman]

A new tobacco shop opened up in our town.  They make cigarrettes out of natural tobacco, not filled with extra nicotine and chemicals.  They cost HALF what the name brand costs and they can duplicate your "taste" whatever brand you like.   They tell you when you buy them that you wont feel the relief from your need for nicotine like you do with store bought cigs because you are only getting the natural amount of nicotine. The big guys add more nicotine to make sure you get addicted!

Heres the kicker, these cigarettes are less dangerous, less addictive and will help my wife quit smoking, but....... and heres the big BUT

The government is on the attack, they have made very strict rules (like a game even) that must be followed to a "T" or there are huge fines, and the government actually has people come in posing as "customers" trying to trick them up ALL THE TIME.  We can afford these kind of tobacco police?

The only reason for this harrasement is that they are a threat to big tobacco companies and the big guys line the pockets of the politicians.............gubberment at its finest, dont give a crap about jobs, or health.........get paid off by the lobbyists and then protect its own interests.

I work part time at that type of shop. There are hundreds (maybe thousands) around the US. The machine "RYO" brand is pneumatically operated (big compressor w/ 3hp motor to run it) and made in Youngstown, OH.
You are correct about the tobacco used. Not sure if it meets the pure def. of "natural", but it contains zero additives. The papers (tubes, they're called) are not loaded with chemicals to make them go out. The machine rolls a carton in about 10 min. The customer puts in the tobacco and tubes. The sales reciept shows a tobacco purchase, a tube purchse, and a machine rental. Thus, the store owner is not "making" cigarettes-he is selling and renting so the customer "makes" his/her own. Local (our county) sales tax of 6% applies to the purchase. Ours go for $27.50 incl. tax vs $55-65 for normal brands. We card anyone who looks under 30, very stiff penalties in FL for sale to minors. Many customers speak of less coughing and they claim to smoke less.
The process is under attack in a couple states as it does take the added on cigarette tax out of the coffers.

[alph]

i work with a guy that buys pipe tobaco and rolls it into cigerrets.  they smell good, don't know about the "taste" thing!  like i said, i've never been a smoker, so don't know about any of it. 

[musclehead]

The only reason for this harrasement is that they are a threat to big tobacco companies and the big guys line the pockets of the politicians.............gubberment at its finest, dont give a crap about jobs, or health.........get paid off by the lobbyists and then protect its own interests.

Other people will tell you that the government has tried to legislate big tobacco out of business.

wink, wink, nudge, nudge..... I don't think so Tim.  and miss out on one of the biggest sources of revenue ever conceived? they can tax it higher and higher and the people will pay, thats the cost of addiction.

I was in the flying J in Wythville VA the other day the guy in front of me bought two (2) cartons of marlboros. $92 and change. I thought he had bought something else and asked the clerk if that was all he bought, she said 'yes'. I said 'I'm glad I dont smoke.'

[musclehead]

why can't a person grow their own tobacco?  (i don't smoke so i don't have a clue reguarding how it's all done)

my cousin use to grow his own pot, dried it, and smoked it, all the time, so why couldn't a person do the same with regular tobacco?  i can grow tomato's in my back yard, even an apple or two, so why not tobacco??  plus, you can make it organic!  think of how healthy that could be!!   

I've done it, tobacco farming is regulated by the government *SURPRISE!*

my uncle used to grow it, you get a permit or some such and can grow X amount depending on how much acreage you own.

tobacco is a labor intensive plant to grow, and doing it right requies alot of attention. at least thats the way it was when I was a kid in Honaker VA.

early in the spring you make a plant bed, basically a home made green house and start the seedlings. then of course you plow and disc the acre your going to grow it on.
then you set out the individual palnts, when some die you replace them (you only have X amount of space remember? so you maximize your potential)
hoeing, weeding until.....
when they get about waist high you pull the suckers (little leaves that grow between the main leaves and the stalk, this puts all the effort of the plant into growing bigger leaves)
we used to top them, cutting off the flower, again to promote leaf production.
we would all get together and help each other cut, sputter, and hang the stalks in the barn.
it would hang until about deer season, once humidity gets high enough you don't crumble the leaves yuo pull it down and grade it.
back then we'd grade it into 3 different types rags (bottom) middle (can't rmember what we called the big leaves) and tops.
tie it into 'hands' and stack it on tobacco baskets and whisk it away to the auction.

told ya, labor intensive. these days they just bale the different grades like hay.

[Jess from VA]

Wow that is labor intensive.

I never did, but had friends growing weed growing up.  It was way less labor intensive than tobacco.

Most was consumed on premises and not sold.

But you know, weed is regulated by the government too. 

[F6Mark]

... the government actually has people come in posing as "customers" trying to trick them up ALL THE TIME.  We can afford these kind of tobacco police?

Do we have the same kind of investigators tracking down medicare fraud and medical insurance fraud?  I hope so.

[Steve K (IA)]

Around here we have:
- kid shoppers
- tobacco is now behind closed doors, no display allowed
- packs have grotesque pictures on them, by law 50% of package face
- push to have no brand displayed on packs (generic)
- stamp seal around bottom to prove 'duty-paid' status.

So I need a Bowie knife to open a pack of smokes I paid good bucks for, or ruin the container before taking the first smoke out. I stand in line while the clerk fumbles around, opening 20 different cabinets, in order to find my smokes. While the line behind me resents me the way I resent someone checking a dozen lottery tickets and choosing a dozen more in a gas station. The pics are cute and no deterrent - except, maybe, the one that shows a drooping ash, stating that impotence can happen.

So, finally, W T F ??? I ask myself, as I stand in snow, sucking one down like a leper. (Local government doesn't allow outdoor shelters for smokers). Ban the damn stuff already, if it's that awful. But noooo...it's a cash cow for the gub'mint.
I can hear the non-smokers (or worse, reformed, former smokers): Cry me a river, with your filthy habit. Oh well. Ain't no 'habit'. Habit is grabbing a Stephen King novel on each trip to the crapper. This is an addiction, worse then heroin. That, and a product of a time when it was 'normal'.
Personally, I'd love to be a non-smoker. Especially during long flights, or day-long meetings. But the gov doesn't make it easy, aside from taking 70% of money I spend on smokes whilst telling me how bad I am.

DarkMeister,
If you truly want to quit.  Chantix worked for me.  Have your Dr. write you a script.  I smoked for over 30 years.  Been smoke free for almost 3 years now.   

[Valkahuna]

I grew my own.... totaly legal.... unless you sell it.... I have 2 years worth hanging in the barn. It's been hanging a year and is ageing nicely.  Sure smells good in the barn!!!!!!!
It is pretty labor intensive!!!!

Lots of info here:  http://www.howtogrowtobacco.com/

I saved seed and have Thousands of seeds of 6 varieties....  pm me if ya want some to try to grow some.

Hot Glue, you are a true renaisance man!. Grow your own tobacco, and blend your own whiskey. Man, I am proud to know you!

[Bama Red]

If you want to grow tobacco for sale, you're basically out of luck unless you already own/lease land that has an existing tobacco allotment. The Feds are not granting any more allotments and they cannot be transferred from one parcel of land to another - even if you are not using your allotment. You can lease someone's allotment, but you must then grow your crop on their land and cannot exceed whatever their allotment happens to be.

My forty acre farm in Washburn, TN (Grainger County), had been part of a ninety-five acre parcel which had a tobacco allotment assigned to it. The parcel was split into a fifty-five acre farm and my forty acre farm. The allotment went with the other farm and my acreage could no longer grow any tobacco.

BTW, my neighbor who had the allotment figured he made less than a dime an hour, if he counted his time, when it came harvest time. Go figure!

[musclehead]

If you want to grow tobacco for sale, you're basically out of luck unless you already own/lease land that has an existing tobacco allotment. The Feds are not granting any more allotments and they cannot be transferred from one parcel of land to another - even if you are not using your allotment. You can lease someone's allotment, but you must then grow your crop on their land and cannot exceed whatever their allotment happens to be.

My forty acre farm in Washburn, TN (Grainger County), had been part of a ninety-five acre parcel which had a tobacco allotment assigned to it. The parcel was split into a fifty-five acre farm and my forty acre farm. The allotment went with the other farm and my acreage could no longer grow any tobacco.

BTW, my neighbor who had the allotment figured he made less than a dime an hour, if he counted his time, when it came harvest time. Go figure!

a dime an hour? sounds about right 

[G-Man]

The government is on the attack, they have made very strict rules (like a game even) that must be followed to a "T" or there are huge fines, and the government actually has people come in posing as "customers" trying to trick them up ALL THE TIME. 

This is how they got Tommy Chong.  They posed as customers, wanting to sell his product in PA.  When they called to place the order, the order taker said that he'd have to check first because he was aware that he could not ship the glassware to certain counties in PA.  The customer assured him that they were in a county where it was legal to sell and received that kind of merchandise.  They sold the merchandise and shipped it, unknowingly, to a county where it was illegal.  They got him!  They even brought up his movies from the 70's and 80's to demonstrate what an evil person he is.