[Washington, DC, April 20, 2021] The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) kicked off a series of presentations to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Committee on Health Effects and Patterns of Use of Premium Cigars this afternoon.

PCA's Head of Government Affairs Joshua Habursky presented an opening statement on the preliminary research questions of the committee that is undergoing a literature review of existing information on premium cigars in a study set to be published in 2022. The study is federally funded by the Food & Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health. Today's session was the second public meeting of the committee comprised of over a dozen public health and medical professionals. The third meeting will take place Friday April 23^rd from 1—4:30pm where PCA's Executive Director Scott Pearce will present remarks on the retail perspective and the unique characteristics of premium cigars sold by tobacconists vs other tobacco products. The main stakeholder session on the 23^rd will feature several organizations within the cigar industry, along with organizations such as the Truth Initiative and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

"It is important for PCA to assert positive research and data about premium cigars to this committee whose findings could have an impact on future policy considerations and regulatory recommendations", notes PCA Executive Director Scott Pearce.

The core function of the committee is to:

1. Conduct a comprehensive and systematic assessment and review of the literature to include patterns of use for premium cigars, and how those may differ among cigar types and other tobacco products, as well as data on both short and long-term health effects of premium cigars.
2. Establish a list of recommendations for future research.
3. Prioritize the list of recommendations for future research to inform FDA’s regulation of premium cigars to protect public health.

Learn more about the committee's work and register to virtually attend Friday's session here.

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About PCA

Founded in 1933, Founded in 1933, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) is the oldest, largest, and most active trade association representing and assisting retailers, manufacturers and suppliers of premium tobacco products. PCA is a not-for-profit trade association and is recognized as the "Voice of Authority and Reason" on premium tobacco-related issues.