Geoffrey York: In China, cigarettes are a kind of miracle drug

From the Globe and Mail:

Here’s some exciting medical news from the Chinese government: Smoking is great for your health.

Cigarettes, according to China’s tobacco authorities, are an excellent way to prevent ulcers.

They also reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease, relieve schizophrenia, boost your brain cells, speed up your thinking, improve your reactions and increase your working efficiency…

Welcome to the bizarre parallel universe of China’s state-owned tobacco monopoly, the world’s most successful cigarette-marketing agency.