We have made a policy decision that tobacco is a legal substance. Any adult can purchase, possess and within certain restrictions use tobacco products. However, there are significant health risks associated with the use of tobacco products for the user and, in the case of tobacco smoke risks to others via exposure to second-hand smoke. Additionally, there likely society level costs associated with medical and hospital care of people with a wide range of cardiopulmonary and cancer related health care needs who can not pay for that care.
If you were in the position to enact whatever policy or policies you wished regarding tobacco what would they be and why?
