This may come as bad news for those who prefer menthol cigarettes to the normal brand of smokes. A panel of health experts will carry out an in depth study on these cigarettes to determine their effect on health. The results of this study will be revealed to the FDA which will take action accordingly.

Tobacco usage has always been a contentious issue in the United States. The Government is making attempts to restrict its use. This scheduled study seems to be in keeping with its anti tobacco policy so far. The study stands testament to the fact that the United States Government and its health officials are extremely concerned about rising tobacco usage in the country.

In the past, it has been a common belief that the Government accumulates revenue by imposing taxes on tobacco and it profits from the sale of tobacco products. However, recent research has falsified this notion. It is reported that the United States Government spends more on the treatment diseases that are caused by smoking as compared to the money it accrues from the sale of tobacco products.

This study thereby substantiates the fact that smoking and tobacco addiction are one of the major concerns of the governments.

It is anticipated that if the results validate that menthol cigarettes aid and accentuate addiction then the production of these cigarettes may be banned. However, one can only conjecture about the steps that the FDA will take. Moreover, FDA's action against menthol cigarettes is contingent on the result of the report by the panel of health experts. It may resort to less radical measures like restricting sales and curtailing advertisements.

However, whatever measures the Government might take, tobacco usage can only decrease when the public wills its decrease. History bears witness that implementing harsh measures and authoritarian policies is not the right way to bring about change. The same stands true for cigarette smoking. If the study establishes that menthol cigarettes lead to increased addiction, difficulties in de-addiction and greater health risks, executing harsh policies will not resolve the problem.

The Government should instead hope that the results of the study will provide sufficient evidence, which can be used to spread awareness and discourage people from smoking.