Ban Trans Fats and Blunts

Following New York City, Philadelphia and the state of California, the District could become the latest jurisdiction to ban artificial trans fats under a bill introduced this morning by Council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3).

The council member says heart disease remains the leading cause of deaths in D.C.

But the bill might have a fat chance. When Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) asked if there were any co-sponsors, colleagues Michael Brown (I-At Large) and Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) joined Cheh.

And speaking of bans, Council member Yvette M. Alexander (D-Ward 7) wants to prohibit the single sales of those small cigars sold at corner stores. They are better known as blunts.

Alexander said "it's no secret" that the honey, apple and cherry-flavored cigars are bought and then stuffed with marijuana, often by young people.

She wants to put them in the category of drug paraphernalia.

The single sales ban would not extend to tobacco shops and cigar bars.