Great to hear that you will be a vertically integrated RYO supplier, from the farm to the consumer. Just one thing, like Eliot Ness during the distillery years of prohibition, don’t think that you will not owe Federal Excise Taxes on your production for sale…so while they may be additive free they will hardly be tax free since the origin of the leaf tobacco has no bearing on whether your product is taxable.

John

Philip Morris USA just hiked prices yesterday for the second time and virtually all cigar guys did the same a few days ago, except Middleton, which is coming on board now. We are expecting yet another hike pre-April 1 but since this is the shortest timespan between enactment and effective date in the history of tobacco excise tax hikes, consumers will not be spared the bumper shock. On the other hand, look for lots of Internet sales growth and the Native Americans will be doing bigger and bigger business as even those most reluctant to shop over the airwaves jump in propelled by an FET hike that while not creating the State-led price disparity that drives this business will get consumers to look for opportunities to save money nevertheless. Also expect to see more and more unknown foreign brands in the market as foreign sites who will keep their prices constant jump in both feet. Legitimate business will take it on the chin along with US jobs.