As a resident of Australia, I have been exposed to the culture of smoking and the controversial topic of cigarettes. Cigarettes have been a part of Australian society for many years, and one of the popular brands that I have come across is L&M Cigarettes. In this article, I will be delving into the history, popularity, and impact of L&M Cigarettes in the context of cigarettes in Australia.
First introduced in 1953 by the American company Liggett & Myers, L&M Cigarettes quickly gained popularity due to their distinctive packaging and smooth taste. The brand name stands for a combination of the company’s initials and the city in which it was founded, namely, Liggett & Myers in St. Louis, Missouri. L&M Cigarettes have gone through many ownership changes, and are currently manufactured and distributed by Philip Morris International (PMI).
One of the most attractive aspects of L&M Cigarettes is its affordability. Australia has one of the highest cigarette prices in the world, making it a luxury item for many. However, L&M Cigarettes are relatively cheaper compared to other brands, making it a popular choice among smokers who are on a budget. Coupled with its smooth, mellow taste, it is not surprising that L&M Cigarettes have a significant presence in the Australian market.
There are several varieties of L&M Cigarettes available in Australia, each with its own unique features. Some popular choices include L&M Red Label, Blue Label, and Green Label. The Red Label offers a richer flavor, while the Blue Label is known for its smoothness. The Green Label, on the other hand, is marketed as a menthol option, providing a refreshing and cooling sensation. These varieties cater to different preferences and have contributed to the brand’s success in Australia.
L&M Cigarettes also cater to different smoking styles through their different types of packaging. The brand offers both hard and soft packages, with the hard packs being targeted towards more traditional smokers, and the soft packs for those who enjoy a more relaxed smoking experience. This diversity in packaging options allows L&M Cigarettes to reach a wider market in Australia.
One of the biggest controversies surrounding cigarettes, not just in Australia but globally, is the negative health effects associated with smoking. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, approximately 13% of Australians aged 18 years and over are daily smokers. This is a relatively low percentage compared to the 30% in the 1980s, but it still poses a significant health concern.
L&M Cigarettes, like all other tobacco products, contain harmful chemicals and toxins. They can cause various health issues, including lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. However, it is essential to note that the health effects of smoking are not unique to L&M Cigarettes but are associated with all tobacco products.
The Australian government has implemented strict laws and regulations to discourage smoking and protect the public from exposure to secondhand smoke. These include placing graphic warning labels on cigarette packages and banning smoking in public places. As an L&M Cigarette smoker, I have personally witnessed the effects of these laws as they have inevitably affected the consumption and perception of cigarettes in Australia.
As I mentioned earlier, Australia has one of the most expensive cigarette prices globally, with the average price of a packet of 20 cigarettes being around $40. This is due to the government’s high tobacco taxes, which are meant to discourage people from smoking. However, this has led to other issues, such as the rise of a black market for cigarettes, where smuggled or illegally produced tobacco products are sold at lower prices.
This black market not only undermines the government’s efforts to control smoking but also poses a significant health risk as these unregulated cigarettes can contain even more harmful additives. As an L&M Cigarette smoker, the high price of cigarettes is something I have to contend with, but it has also made me more aware of the consequences of smoking and the importance of regulating tobacco products.
In conclusion, L&M Cigarettes have become a significant player in the cigarette market in Australia due to its affordability, variety, and distinctive taste. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the negative health effects associated with smoking and the efforts of the Australian government to control it. As a smoker, it is important to be mindful of the laws and regulations in place, as well as the impact of smoking on both personal health and society as a whole.
If you are interested in trying out L&M Cigarettes, you can purchase them online through authorized retailers such as Cigaroo. However, it is essential to remember that the decision to smoke should be a well-informed one, taking into account not just the taste and affordability of the product, but also its potential health consequences. Stay informed and make responsible choices when it comes to smoking in Australia.