Yes, I saw this posted yesterday and read a bit about it. Today I also read this:
http://halfwheel.com/5-takeaways-from-fdas-decision-to-regulate-cigars/113899
Which explains a little more detail about the regulations. It's a little more cigar focused but consider any part of it that says "cigars" to essentially be "cigars/pipe tobacco".
Unfortunately, we won't know the cost of applying each blend or the turnaround time on the approval process until May 10th. On the 10th they are supposed to release more defined terms of what will be required.
Besides the new approval requirements for blends after 2007, it also really sucks that free samples will no longer be allowed. That means reps can't give a shop owner free cigars or free pipe tobacco to sample before purchasing. Of course, I'm sure some of that will still happen but the threat of it being considered a "federal" crime is absurd. This also means that I can't give a free sample to a customer to test before they buy an ounce according to these new regulations.
They say it's to keep it away from youth and to keep us from marketing to youth. HOW ARE WE MARKETING TO YOUTH?! They also say it's to regulate the ingredients to help Americans be healthier. You want the ingredients?! Here's the ingredients: Tobacco. You're welcome. Simplified enough?
It really irks me that they decided to act on this absurdity. In addition to acting, they went one step further and chose the more stringent of the two options that were on the table. More and more regulation. More and more reach. More and more government.
These douche-nozzles need to mind their own behinds and get out my humidors.
Do I have an opinion about it... Nawwwwwww.