Archive Report
Archive Report
State of Industry
Sharp Decline in 1983 Cigarette Sales
Tobacco, America's oldest cash crop, is in trouble. Never before in its long, proud history has the golden leaf been under attack from more directions or its future more uncertain. Tobacco growers and cigarette manufacturers face a constant barrage of criticism because they deal in a product believed by most scientists and physicians to cause a host of serious, often fatal, diseases. Congress recently acted to require tougher health warnings on cigarette packs and advertising. The federal government and 38 states have enacted laws limiting smoking in public places. And smoking, once considered a rite of adult passage, is becoming less acceptable socially.
Until recently, health issues and anti-smoking campaigns have had a limited impact on the tobacco ...