How to waste $115 million in Nicotine Research

The NIH has received $115 to study smoke cessation, according to the NY Times, of which they spent $2.5 million on nicotine free cigarettes. It sounds like a good thing and I’m sure they mean well.

But aren’t they really just protecting the industry? And their agenda with it?

The key question is – is why are you covering this when the biggest issue is Electronic Cigarettes – or vaporized alternate nicotine delivery system. They are obviously the future – but not in this study.

Here’s a summary of why this study is about protecting the tobacco patch:

1. Nicotine free cigarettes like Quest have been around for years – and smokers don’t want them. Even weekend smokers.

2. Nicotine is not the problem. The problem is why people seek out an addictive property. Nicotine can help offset Alzheimer's and it works for many as a poor man’s anti-ADD product and general calmant.

3. Tars are the problem, since they cause the cancers – but that is not being researched here. The objective is to support the tobacco growing industry.

4. Alternate nicotine delivery systems a/k/a Electronic Cigarettes are not being discussed. It is the biggest issue in smoking – but not even mentioned.

Then there is the issue why do young people want to smoke anyway – because if you don’t answer that, they will just find something similar or probably more dangerous as a substitute.

Smoking is more than a medical or scientific proposition – it a psycho-spiritual calmant and empowerment substance that is perceived to have slightly magical powers and can be just as powerful as any religion.

If this is not part of the research then we are getting much new here.

At the end of the day, the superficiality of this study almost laughable - especially when we know that the market has overwhelming rejected nicotine-less cigarettes. Just as alcohol-free beer and wine don't exactly get people to stop drinking - this is a fairly good exercise in wasted tax dollars and diversion of the genuine conversation.

As for the beleaguered tax-payer - they are just kissing away $115 million and the tobacco industry is getting a backdoor support system.