A while back we talked about how the FDA proposed new regulations for e-cigarettes and today we’ve got more nicotine and tobacco news: it appears that CVS Caremark has stopped selling tobacco products.

Starting today, CVS Caremark has stopped selling tobacco products and experts are hoping that other major drugstore chains will follow CVS’ lead.

The decision was made because CVS needs to strengthen its image as a health care company. It also plans to change the company’s name to CVS Health, but the stores will not suffer any name changes.

CVS Caremark Has Stopped Selling Tobacco Products

CVS has around 7,700 retail locations, which makes it the second-largest drugstore chain in the U.S.

The American Pharmacists Association has urged drugstores in March 2010 to stop selling cigarettes and many small chains have done so, but CVS Caremark is the first large chain to take notice and change.

Mark Myers, the president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids had this to say about CVS’ decision:

CVS’ announcement to stop selling tobacco products fully a month early sends a resounding message to the entire retail industry and to its customers that pharmacies should not be in the business of selling tobacco. This is truly an example of a corporation leading and setting a new standard.

CVS is also going to release a quit smoking campaign that will include medication support, coaching and an assessment.

CVS Caremark CEO’s, Larry Merlo, father died of tobacco-related cancer. Merlo said about how CVS has stopped selling tobacco products:

The contradiction of selling tobacco was becoming a growing obstacle to playing a bigger role in health care delivery.

What are your thoughts on the fact that CVS Caremark has stopped selling tobacco products? Do you think this decision was a long time coming? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.