Page Contents
The Real Reason Candy Cigarettes Were Almost Banned
Candy cigarettes, despite their unappealing taste and texture, were once incredibly popular among children. However, their rise to popularity and subsequent controversy is tied to a fascinating history. In this article, we will explore the origins of candy cigarettes, their association with smoking, and the debates surrounding their potential ban.
The Roaring ’20s and the Rise of Smoking
In the 1920s, smoking became synonymous with a modern, all-American lifestyle. Cigarettes were endorsed and glamorized in a variety of ways, leading to their widespread acceptance. For example, American Tobacco hired women to march with “torches of freedom” during an Easter parade in New York City, which helped establish cigarettes as a symbol of women’s rights. In addition, an ad featuring Santa Claus taking a cigarette break on a rooftop further solidified smoking’s cultural significance.
The birth of the candy cigarette
Noticing the popularity of smoking, candy companies like World Candies and Necco began producing candy cigarettes to capitalize on the trend. These candies began appearing in stores across the country, and even major tobacco companies provided art direction to make the packaging more realistic. The University of Rochester conducted a study that found a correlation between children “smoking” candy cigarettes and an increased likelihood of smoking real cigarettes later in life.
The debate over banning candy cigarettes
Because of the potential influence of candy cigarettes on children’s smoking behavior, the United States debated banning them in 1970 and 1991. The concerns were valid, given the research and the potential harm of promoting smoking to young people. However, candy cigarettes managed to survive these debates and remain on the market.
The Secret World of Candy Cigarette Manufacturing
Today, World Confections Inc. is the primary manufacturer of candy cigarettes. However, they remain secretive about their production process, declining interviews and trying to stay under the radar. In 2012, candy cigarettes became a national controversy when a store in St. Paul, Minnesota was fined for selling them. This incident highlighted the negative attention surrounding these candies, leading to successful bans in states like Maine and Tennessee.
The Evolution of Candy Cigarettes
While World Confections Inc.’s website suggests that they currently produce superhero-branded “candy sticks” similar to candy cigarettes, the original line of candy cigarettes is still available on various online platforms. Sites such as Amazon, Candy R Us, and even Office Depot offer these products. Interestingly, the packaging of these candy cigarettes indicates that they are manufactured in Colombia.
The legacy of candy cigarettes
Candy cigarettes have undoubtedly had a lasting impact on popular culture. Their controversial nature, association with smoking, and the debates surrounding their banning make them an important part of candy and cultural history. Despite bans in certain regions, candy cigarettes remain accessible to those who seek them out.
In conclusion, the history of candy cigarettes is a complex one. From their origins in the 1920s to the debates surrounding their potential banning, these candies have remained a topic of interest and controversy. Understanding their history provides insight into the influence of marketing, cultural trends, and the potential impact on children’s behavior. While candy cigarettes may no longer enjoy the same level of popularity, their legacy lives on.
FAQS
Why were candy cigarettes almost outlawed?
Candy cigarettes were almost banned because of concerns about their potential influence on children’s smoking behavior. Studies showed a correlation between children “smoking” candy cigarettes and an increased likelihood of smoking real cigarettes later in life.
Were candy-type cigarettes popular in the past?
Yes, candy-type cigarettes were quite popular in the past. In the 1920s, smoking was glamorized and endorsed in various ways, leading to their widespread acceptance. Candy companies capitalized on this trend by producing candy cigarettes that mimicked the appearance of real cigarettes.
Did candy companies receive support from tobacco companies to produce candy cigarettes?
Yes, tobacco companies provided candy companies with art guidelines to design realistic packaging for candy cigarettes. The goal of this collaboration was to reinforce the association between candy cigarettes and actual smoking, thus increasing their appeal.
Can Candy Cigarettes still be purchased?
Yes, candy cigarettes are still available. While bans have been implemented in certain regions, they can still be found online through various retailers. Sites such as Amazon, Candy R Us, and even Office Depot offer these products to consumers.
What is the current stance on candy cigarettes?
The controversy surrounding candy cigarettes continues. While they have been banned in some states, they remain accessible to those who seek them out. The debate centers on the potential influence on children and whether they should be allowed to imitate smoking behavior through candy products.
Who is the main manufacturer of candy cigarettes today?
World Confections Inc. is the primary manufacturer of candy cigarettes today. However, they are secretive about their manufacturing process and have declined interviews to avoid unwanted media attention.