Licking the Habit

A nicotine-laced lollipop has antismoking activists crying foul. Could it create new addicts?

It sounded like a good idea: give smokers something to suck on that will satisfy their nicotine cravings without all the health problems associated with smoking. But unlike earlier nicotine substitutes--the patches and the chewing gums--these come in appealing flavors like Very Berry and Lemon Lime and are shaped like lollipops and gummi bears. And that's what put them in the crosshairs of antismoking activists. Because if there's one thing that's likely to be more addictive than cigarettes, it's nicotine-laced candy, particularly if kids ever get hold of it.

Last week, prompted by an article in the Wall Street Journal about...

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