Not to be an alarmist, but in these days it is necessary to prepare for the coming of the dark ages in terms of pipes and tobacco. Although there is a glimmer of hope in terms of the anti-FDA lawsuits, future congressional action to change the deeming date of the FDA regulations, there is no hope to change the new pipe tobacco taxation rates that arrive here on October 1, in Pennsylvania. We are seeing new regulations overseas that will eventually effect us (the closing of GQ tobaccos for one). We are seeing the effects of all of this in terms of pipe tobacco blends that are (or may be) discontinued, and the closing of local shops (I personally know of two as of this date). More of both will come. We do not know how the artisan pipe maker (domestic or imported) or the large pipe makers will be affected. We do not know the future of pipe shows, but under the new taxation regulations in PA, you can be found criminally liable for bringing tax unpaid products back into the state. So how do you prepare yourself for this future time of uncertainty?
I and members of our pipe club have been discussing this topic for several months now and recommend the following: 1), Check your pipe tobacco cellar. Make sure it has sufficient depth, especially in those tin blends that you enjoy. Purchase what you need. Purchase those tobaccos that you may not like as your taste may change in the future. 2). If you can still get bulks, purchase a sufficient quantity to meet your anticipated needs and jar it up. 3). In terms of pipes, it does not hurt to purchase additional pipes. My own impression is that pipes will be less affected by the FDA, but you can be sure that prices will go up. 4). Don't forget to stock up on accessories; pipe cleaners, pipe sweetener, etc
The members of our little pipe club have expanded their cellars by 50 to 100% in terms of tinned and bulk tobaccos, especially before the tax rates go up Oct. 1. We are all in good shape in terms of number of pipes and quality in our personal collections. We should have sufficient amounts to last us in our old age. Most of us are retired as it is. After October 1, my pipe tobacco purchases will become minimal.
In terms of crystal ball glazing, I think that the FDA rules and increased taxation is just a start. I think you can look forward to the elimination of internet sales of pipes and tobaccos, and the refusal of UPS, FedEx, and USPS for any tobacco shipping to consumers. I also foresee a more accurate requirement for shipment identification so that this kind of traffic can be halted, especially for shipments coming into the country.
Will our politicians come to our aid? NO! the tobacco topic is too onerous and has a bad reputation which is totally undeserved. It will be time for them to realize the revenue that they lose by their actions, but their response will be to just raise the tax rates. They never heard of the story of the goose that laid the golden egg.
I hope I am wrong, but I don't see us going backward in time. I think we are seeing the end of the golden age of the hobby that we so enjoy. Prepare now before it is too late. Regardless, if I am wrong and all these rules, restrictions, laws and regulations go away, just think of the fantastic tobacco cellar you will have. The price of pipes and pipe tobacco will never go down.
Happy Smokes
I and members of our pipe club have been discussing this topic for several months now and recommend the following: 1), Check your pipe tobacco cellar. Make sure it has sufficient depth, especially in those tin blends that you enjoy. Purchase what you need. Purchase those tobaccos that you may not like as your taste may change in the future. 2). If you can still get bulks, purchase a sufficient quantity to meet your anticipated needs and jar it up. 3). In terms of pipes, it does not hurt to purchase additional pipes. My own impression is that pipes will be less affected by the FDA, but you can be sure that prices will go up. 4). Don't forget to stock up on accessories; pipe cleaners, pipe sweetener, etc
The members of our little pipe club have expanded their cellars by 50 to 100% in terms of tinned and bulk tobaccos, especially before the tax rates go up Oct. 1. We are all in good shape in terms of number of pipes and quality in our personal collections. We should have sufficient amounts to last us in our old age. Most of us are retired as it is. After October 1, my pipe tobacco purchases will become minimal.
In terms of crystal ball glazing, I think that the FDA rules and increased taxation is just a start. I think you can look forward to the elimination of internet sales of pipes and tobaccos, and the refusal of UPS, FedEx, and USPS for any tobacco shipping to consumers. I also foresee a more accurate requirement for shipment identification so that this kind of traffic can be halted, especially for shipments coming into the country.
Will our politicians come to our aid? NO! the tobacco topic is too onerous and has a bad reputation which is totally undeserved. It will be time for them to realize the revenue that they lose by their actions, but their response will be to just raise the tax rates. They never heard of the story of the goose that laid the golden egg.
I hope I am wrong, but I don't see us going backward in time. I think we are seeing the end of the golden age of the hobby that we so enjoy. Prepare now before it is too late. Regardless, if I am wrong and all these rules, restrictions, laws and regulations go away, just think of the fantastic tobacco cellar you will have. The price of pipes and pipe tobacco will never go down.
Happy Smokes
