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The Cinnamon Cigarette Situation 

18 Mar 2021

Regulating the use of tobacco and alcohol with a focus on saving people from short and long term adverse health effects is neither a new nor a solitary battle, and Sri Lanka, like many countries, has taken many a step to achieve it.  On the one hand, countries are challenged with the increasing and exacerbating health issues caused by these products, and on the other, the mammoth sales and tax revenue these industries generate also make it nearly impossible for Governments to completely ban them, even if it would like to for health reasons.  Whether the much hyped cinnamon cigarette is in fact a game changer is a question that has a multitude of different aspects. But, with the launch of the said product this week, time has come to initiate a more in depth discussion about the matter, as it is no longer a mere concept but a reality.  The fact that the said product was introduced under the aegis of the Minister of Industries, Wimal Weerawansa, was criticised by several parties before it could reach the market, and the country’s foremost tobacco and alcohol product regulator, the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA), was among those parties. However, through social media content about this product, some of which accompanied a photo of Minister Weerawansa holding a cinnamon cigarette between his lips at the launch, many conveyed rather positive and supportive opinions.  In a letter sent in this connection, the NATA had claimed that the production and promotion of the product amounts to a violation of the NATA Act, to which Minister Weerawansa responded that the Ministry was ready to amend the Act if required in order to promote the product.  According to social media posts by members of the public, those backing the cinnamon cigarette raise two main arguments; they claim that it helps those smoking tobacco cigarettes to quit smoking, and that it could be a harmless alternative for those who are likely to start smoking tobacco cigarettes. The consumption of cinnamon having a number of health benefits is another reason they cite.  As much as these claims appear to be valid and true in theory, the alleged benefits of the cinnamon cigarette raises concerns as far as their long term benefits are concerned. The Minister’s willingness to change the law to promote this product or similar products addresses only the legal issues, which, in this situation, is of the least importance. It appears that the most important aspect of this issue, i.e. whether the benefits of the cinnamon cigarette outweigh the harm of tobacco cigarettes, has been sidelined.  Cinnamon is a staple spice used in Sri Lanka since ancient times, and is famous for its medicinal properties and health benefits. Among other things, scientific research suggests that cinnamon contains anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels, heart diseases and digestive system diseases.  However, all the above benefits depend on the manner in which cinnamon is consumed and in what quantities, and there is not much local research to ascertain whether the inhalation of cinnamon smoke or vapour can give the same health benefits. Prior to the launching and promoting of the said product, Sri Lanka should have conducted more research on it. Internationally however, it has been found that cinnamon smoke can and has caused serious damage to the lungs including by way of scarring, pneumonia, inflammation and infection, and additionally induced coughing, gagging, gasping for air, choking, skin and tissue/nostril irritation, discomfort, burning, itching, vomiting, and liver and kidney toxicity, and has also been life-threatening, even fatal.  What is more, the NATA expressing disapproval of a product the Government approves of, indicates that either the NATA was never involved in the process of assessing the potential results of this product, or that the NATA’s opinion about the matter was disregarded in the first place.  Right off the bat, the cinnamon cigarette appears to be an attractive product, for which the Sri Lankan manufacturer had obtained the patent license as well. If it turns out to be a successful product, there is also the potential to enter foreign markets too. However, it seems like a lot of the studies that needed to be conducted before launching this product had been ignored. Also, the Minister’s remarks on the said product raise concerns about the Ministry’s ability to identify the priorities. In fact, the promotion of the said product being legally allowable being the Minister’s main concern is alarming.  The cinnamon cigarette may not contain nicotine; but the absence of nicotine does not mean that cinnamon smoke does not contain any other harmful properties. After all, it is not at all unreasonable to expect the Government to scientifically prove the benefits of a product it endorses.  

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Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!


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