Dive Brief:

• CVS Caremark announced Wednesday that it will no longer sell tobacco products.
• The drugstore chain is leaving behind the $2-billion business behind because, as President and CEO Larry Merlo says, "the sale of tobacco products is inconsistent with our purpose."
• CVS also plans to expand its smoking cessation program, which is planned to launch this spring and includes information and treatment in stores and online, as well as programs from the pharmacy's benefit management plan.

Dive Insight:

One area where the pharmacy could also possibly expand cessation programs is in the sell of e-cigarettes, which it doesn't currently carry and hasn't mentioned plans to do so. The company received praise from President Barack Obama, who said the move will help his administration reach its goals of cutting tobacco-related deaths and illnesses while also lowering the cost of healthcare.

Still, it seems like an odd move to abandon a $2 billion business, especially when tobacco use isn't illegal or considered immoral.