Regarding nicotine, I simply do not understand why the government does not regulate it as a drug or hazardous chemical, except for the strength of the tobacco lobby. How can David Kessler (FDA commissioner) maintain that nicotine in tobacco is free from regulation while a comparable dose in a patch or gum requires a physician’s prescription?
Changing the delivery method does not change the chemical, physical and biological properties. If the patch or gum is safer than a cigarette, then why must we get a prescription? If we regulate nicotine in one form, we should regulate it in all others.
As for anti-inflammatory drugs, we can buy aspirin and similar products over the counter despite well-founded safety problems. However, when new and safer versions become available, we must go to a physician for a prescription. If the new drugs are safer, then why must we get a prescription?
Thus, we underregulate a dangerous drug while overregulating a safe one.
