Antes de 1973 o uso de tabaco impedia uma Testemunha de Jeová de servir na sede mundial, de ser pioneiro e de participar do ministério viajante, mas não era motivo para remoção da congregação; mais tarde a organização descreveu tais hábitos como “at first merely frowned upon”.

“In 1935, The Watchtower called tobacco “the filthy weed” and noted that no one who chose to chew it or smoke it could remain a member of the Bethel family or serve as a representative of God’s organization in the pioneer work or the traveling ministry. In 1973 a further moral refinement came. … Those who refused to give up the misuse of tobacco were to be disfellowshipped.”

“As a result of increased light, habits at first merely frowned upon were later handled with appropriate gravity. An example of this was in connection with the use of tobacco. … Since 1973 it has been clearly understood that no tobacco user can be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In 1976 it was clarified that no Witness could be employed in a gambling establishment and remain in the congregation.”