Obama ends restrictions on Cuban cigars, rum

The Obama administration announced Friday an end to restrictions on Cuban rum and cigars, USA Today reports. The highly coveted products benefit from executive action that is aimed at boosting trade and travel between Cuba and the United States. In exchange, it will also be easier for American companies to sell their products to Cubans, including through online purchases.

Cuban rum and cigars were banned from entering the U.S. for five decades; recently, the Obama administration allowed for Americans to bring back just $100 worth of the products. The removal Friday of the monetary restrictions will allow travelers to bring back as many cigars or bottles of rum as they like.

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.