In the 1990s, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) sold cigarettes and other tobacco products to inmates. However, in the early 2000s, aligning with broader public health initiatives, the agency banned smoking in federal prisons. Given that taxpayers ultimately bear the cost of cancer treatment for inmates, the decision was both logical and financially sound. While some prisoners resisted the change, many welcomed the move toward a smoke-free environment.
More than 20 years later, however, smoking remains as prevalent as ever behind bars. Tobacco possession is considered only a moderate-severity infraction under BOP policy, and with an already overwhelming backlog of disciplinary cases, enforcement is inconsistent at best. The reality is that many inmates—stripped of numerous privileges under a distorted punishment model—simply no longer care about minor infractions.
The Economics of Smuggled Tobacco
This lax enforcement has opened the door to a lucrative black market, where corrupt correctional officers exploit the demand for tobacco. Unlike drugs or weapons, tobacco is easy to smuggle—it doesn’t set off metal detectors—and its price inside prison is astronomical. A pound of high-quality rolling tobacco, which costs about $70 in retail stores, can sell for up to $5,000 behind bars.
The consequences are far-reaching. Non-smoking inmates who wish to avoid secondhand smoke have no realistic way to do so without reporting the infractions—a move that could put them at risk of violent retaliation. Additionally, taxpayers remain financially responsible for the treatment of smoking-related illnesses. Meanwhile, corruption among correctional staff continues to fester, exacerbating an already strained prison system.
A Flawed Approach to Smoking Cessation
Ironically, BOP policy technically permits the sale of smoking cessation products through the prison commissary—yet in practice, none are made available. This omission is a major oversight, particularly since many inmates express a desire to quit but struggle to do so when surrounded by pervasive smoking and the boredom of incarceration.
Nicotine itself does not cause cancer; in fact, it is classified as a nootropic, meaning it can enhance cognitive function and may even have longevity benefits. Today, nicotine supplements are widely available in various forms, from lozenges to pouches, yet the BOP has failed to offer any alternative to combustible tobacco.
The Case for Vaping in Federal Prisons
County jails and state prisons across the United States have adapted to the modern landscape by introducing electronic cigarettes and nicotine vaping products. Despite federal claims of uncertainty regarding the long-term health effects of vaping, extensive research now exists on its relative safety. Some vaping ingredients, such as diacetyl and propylene glycol, have been linked to potential health concerns, but numerous brands offer products free from these substances.
More importantly, vaping is unquestionably safer than the status quo in federal prisons, where inmates smoke unfiltered cigarettes rolled in Bible pages. Even more disturbingly, some resort to drying and smoking the remnants of chewing tobacco spit left in discarded soda bottles by correctional officers—a carcinogenic nightmare that underscores the desperation within prison walls.
A Sensible Reform: Harm Reduction and Fiscal Responsibility
The BOP must modernize its approach by following the example set by state and county facilities. Introducing vaping products and smoking cessation aids would not only improve inmate health but also disrupt the tobacco black market, curbing officer corruption in the process.
Furthermore, permitting the sale of these products through the inmate commissary would generate significant revenue for the Inmate Trust Fund, which covers hygiene products, clothing, and other basic necessities. Rather than losing millions of taxpayer dollars treating preventable cancers, the system could redirect funds toward rehabilitation programs and facility improvements.
The federal prison system is long overdue for reform, and harm reduction strategies are a necessary step forward. By adopting policies that prioritize both public health and institutional integrity, the BOP can take a meaningful step toward addressing corruption, reducing smoking-related illnesses, and fostering a more sustainable correctional environment.