with the mission of reducing the harm caused by smoking, 22nd century is a plant biotechnology company whose proprietary technology allows for the levels of nicotine in the tobacco plant to be decreased or increased through genetic engineering and plant breeding. goodrich tobacco company and hercules pharmaceuticals are wholly-owned subsidiaries focusing on (i) premium cigarettes and potentially reduced risk tobacco products (with up to 97% less nicotine than conventional cigarettes), and (ii) the x-22 prescription smoking cessation aid in development. 22nd century's technology also allows the levels of cannabinoids to be decreased or increased in the cannabis plant.