Quote Originally Posted by jaewing
Hex is correct.

Currently, due to US political policies with regard to Cuba and the resulting trade embargo, it is illegal to possess, trade, sell, buy, or otherwise deal in ANY Cuban products, not just cigars. This unfortunately would apply to any trades or box passes perpetuated here in this forum or anywhere else. And, after having read the official policy, it is somewhat disturbing to know that the penalties for violating the embargo apply to all parties and even individuals - and they are VERY SERIOUS . . . jail and major fines.

With all the great cigars from so many other places I don't think ignoring the Cubans in our trades and box passes will be all that great of a loss. However, not ever having had the oportunity to smoke a Cuban cigar before I may be understating the loss. Since I am a new Brother of the Leaf (BOTL) I am content in trying all that is "legally" available to me in the cigar world. Maybe when I am done with all there is out there I will try a Cuban.

What it comes down to ultimately is that Hex has asked us all to abide by the rules of this forum. One of these rules is not to discuss the trades and or sales of Cuban cigars on this forum. Regardless of whether the embargo does, or does not (and we know it does), cover our trades and box passes, he has asked politely that it not occur here.

I for one will respect that.

I think you are correct with everything EXCEPT the possess part. At this point it time, I do not believe it is illegal to POSSESS Cuban products - the rest is true (buying, selling, trading). And I believe there have been some court challenges to the possess part - I'm just not sure of the outcome... Maybe the lawyers on the board could research Lexis on that issue, if they have access. This would be good information.

As far as the box pass is concerned - and for future information - there either should not be any in the box, or there would have to be some method of discussing them which would be suitable to meet Hex's requirements. Some boards openly discuss them - others place a full ban on them. Whatever Hex decides is what must fly on this board. If Hex wants it that way - that's the way it must be!

It seems there is a certain tolerance for discussion (in private), but not on any public forum. on this board. My discussion of the illegal products on this thread was in response to an open discussion about whether there would be problems in this box pass - and there ARE some pitfalls (as I've previously stated). I only wished to inform other members about those pitfalls - I'm sorry, Hex, if I have offended you or the members of this board.

Since I'm not involved in this box pass, it doesn't much matter for me at this time. But, if I were to be involved in a box pass somewhere down the line, there should be some type of rules for the inclusion of these "products", or maybe there should be a total ban. These rules really need to be thought about... While the rule from Hex is clear, there seems to be some "bending" of that rule in these threads. It seems we are in a "gray" area (certainly it would not be bad to talk about issues related to trading, just not talking ABOUT the trades themselves). But, maybe I'm wrong.

As Jae points out, there are plenty of domestically available cigars that are very nice smokes. Some, to me, surpass the quality and taste of ISOM's. Certainly, it will not be the end of the world if members don't get the chance to try one...