Who Sells Cigarettes Near Me: A Changing Landscape in Pharmacy Retail

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Introduction

The landscape of pharmacies and the products they sell has undergone significant changes over the past few decades. It is both stunning and sobering to consider that more pharmacies sell cigarettes today than they did 35 and 25 years ago[^1^]. While independent pharmacies had largely stopped selling tobacco products by the 1990s out of concern for their customers’ health, they have since been bought out by chain drugstores, with CVS and Walgreens being prominent players[^1^]. However, CVS made a bold move in 2014 by ceasing the sale of cigarettes, while Walgreens has remained unmoved by pleas to end its tobacco product sales[^1^]. This article delves into the evolving landscape of pharmacies and the implications of selling cigarettes in these establishments.

The Dominance of Chain Drugstores

Independent pharmacies, which had once prioritized their customers’ health by discontinuing the sale of tobacco products, have since been overshadowed by chain drugstores like CVS and Walgreens[^1^]. These chain drugstores have expanded their reach and influence, with CVS even halting the sale of cigarettes in 2014[^1^]. Despite this, Walgreens has continued to sell tobacco products, despite describing itself as a partner in healthcare[^1^].

The Rise of Supermarket Pharmacies

In addition to the dominance of chain drugstores, more pharmacies are now being installed in grocery stores by supermarket chains such as Kroger, Publix, Safeway, and Walmart[^1^]. Supermarket pharmacies now account for more than 12% of retail pharmacy prescriptions[^1^]. While this expansion provides convenience and accessibility to customers, it also raises concerns about the sale of tobacco products in these establishments.

Efforts to End Tobacco Sales in Pharmacies

Organized efforts to end tobacco sales in pharmacies have been few and far between. In the 1970s, California pharmacist Fred Mayer began crusading for tobacco-free pharmacies, with the support of organizations like DOC (Doctors Ought to Care)[^1^]. The California Medical Association’s Pharmacy Partnership Project joined the cause in the 1980s and focused on getting independent pharmacies to drop tobacco products[^1^]. After the majority of independent pharmacies had stopped selling cigarettes, the project changed its name to Prescription for Change to shift its attention towards pharmacy chains[^1^]. These efforts were funded by the California Tobacco Control Program, established in 1988[^1^].

The Hypocrisy of Selling Cigarettes in Pharmacies

One ad aimed at encouraging physicians and patients to patronize pharmacies that do not sell tobacco products highlighted the hypocrisy of those that do: “They sell your patients the cure for a persistent cough on Aisle 8…and the cause on Aisle 14″[^1^]. This stark contrast between selling medications to treat health issues caused by smoking while also selling the very products that perpetuate those issues raises ethical concerns.

The Impact of Policy Changes

Policy changes have played a significant role in the availability of tobacco products in pharmacies. Target, for instance, made the decision to end cigarette sales in 1996 due to the increasing cost of compliance with laws curbing sales to minors[^1^]. Other pharmacies, such as Wegmans and Hannaford’s, have also taken steps to prioritize public health by discontinuing the sale of tobacco products[^1^].

Public Opinion and Support

Public opinion and support have played a crucial role in pressuring pharmacies to reconsider their sale of tobacco products. Customers, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups have voiced concerns about the conflicting message conveyed by pharmacies selling both medications and cigarettes[^1^]. These voices have called for a change in the industry and have demonstrated the potential for public pressure to influence business practices.

Research and Perspectives on Tobacco Sales in Pharmacies

Numerous studies and articles have explored the impact and implications of tobacco sales in pharmacies. Research has examined topics such as the demographics of tobacco sales in community pharmacies, the opinions and practices of pharmacists regarding cigarette sales, and strategies for promoting tobacco-free experiential sites[^1^]. These studies provide valuable insights into the complexities surrounding the sale of tobacco products in pharmacies.

The Role of Pharmacy Organizations and Associations

Pharmacy organizations and associations have also taken a stance on tobacco sales in pharmacies. The American Pharmacists Association, for example, has adopted a policy opposing the sale of tobacco products in pharmacies and has called for the implementation of tobacco-free policies in all pharmacy settings[^1^]. This demonstrates the acknowledgment within the industry of the need to align pharmacy practices with public health goals.

Legal Actions and Regulations

Legal actions and regulations have also come into play in the effort to curtail tobacco sales in pharmacies. For instance, Kentucky sued CVS Health over the opioid crisis, highlighting the broader health implications of pharmacies selling products that contribute to addiction and health issues[^1^]. Such legal actions and regulations create additional pressure on pharmacies to reconsider their sale of tobacco products.

The Changing Pharmacy Landscape: A Positive Shift

Despite the challenges, there is evidence of a positive shift in the pharmacy landscape. Pharmacies like CVS, Wegmans, and Hannaford’s have made the decision to prioritize public health by discontinuing the sale of tobacco products[^1^]. This shift reflects a growing awareness and commitment to promoting healthier communities. who sells cigarettes near me

Conclusion

The sale of cigarettes in pharmacies has been a contentious issue, with independent pharmacies once leading the charge by discontinuing tobacco product sales. However, the dominance of chain drugstores and the expansion of supermarket pharmacies have resulted in a higher number of pharmacies selling cigarettes. Efforts to end tobacco sales in pharmacies have been met with mixed success, but there is growing public support for change. With policy changes, research, and the involvement of pharmacy organizations, there is hope for a future where pharmacies prioritize public health and discontinue the sale of tobacco products.

Keywords: who sells cigarettes near me, tobacco sales in pharmacies, chain drugstores, independent pharmacies, supermarket pharmacies, public health, policy changes, pharmacy organizations, legal actions, public support.

Tone of Voice: Informative, authoritative.