The sale of single cigarettes is currently illegal in all states. The reasons for this is said to be to protect children and tax collection.

There are many people trying to quit or cut back on smoking cigarettes who would be greatly helped if it was legal to purchase a single cigarette. The tax collection problem is solved by figuring the tax for one cigarette according to how much is paid per pack. Make it 1/20th of the tax of a pack.

The problem of children starting to smoke is not hindered by making only packs and cartons available for purchase. No store wants to sell cigarettes to minors. However if a minor does find someone to purchase tobacco for them I would rather they purchase a single rather than a pack or carton.

Medical science has not found a way to help all people quit smoking. Many people cannot take the drugs that are  prescribed. There are many people suffering because they haven't been able to get the help they need. I think that making the sale of single cigarettes legal would greatly help many people. My doctor has told me that if I smoke under  5 cigarettes a day that I am not hurting myself all that much. I think if the FDA is concerned about reducing harm that they should be able to stand making the sale of single cigarettes legal.

When I am able to purchase a single cigarette I smoke much less than if I can only buy packs or cartons. I did come close to quitting and was down to one per day until I moved to a community that does not sell singles.I began asking store managers why they don't sell singles and of course the only answer was because it is illegal.and they don't want to be fined or closed down. All of them said they would rather sell singles if they had a choice. Although all admitted that their cigarette sales go up when they only sell packs and cartons most admit that they would like to be a part of helping people cut down or quit smoking.