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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, December 15, 2000: Illinois has become the first state in the nation to ban the sale of bidi cigarettes, tiny, hand-rolled, flavored cigarettes, which are popular among young teens. “Bidi cigarettes resemble marijuana joints, which may influence their popularity,” said the Governor’s statement. “The United Stages government’s Centers for Disease Control found that bidis produce three times the nicotine and carbon monoxide and five times the tar of regular cigarettes.” Bidis are often manufactured in India in sweatshop-like conditions, sometimes by child labor. The cigarettes are given candy-like flavors and colorful packaging that appeal to kids. Some think bidis may be a gateway to drugs because they look like marijuana joints and produce a powerful head rush. From January 1, violators of the ban in Illinois will be fined $100 to $1000. The Christian Science Monitor source above gives a complete story on US policy.

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