In response to Crowley Gottlieb's charges, Payne says the Journal of the American Medical Association articles were of "very poor quality" and that researchers in several universities have found the studies to be "significantly flawed."

The article made "ludicrous contentions" about Camel cigarettes and the study was not "properly controlled," she said.

But Crowley Gottlieb says she isn't simply relying on the news media; she can draw on 20 years of experience in the drugstore business.

Camel cigarettes were the second best-selling cigarettes in her store and they are the third leading cigarette in the nation, says Crowley Gottlieb. Young smokers smoke Camel cigarettes, she says.

Crowley Gottlieb encourages people to continue signing the petitions in her drugstores.

"The more people who sign the petition, the sooner R.J. Reynolds will get the message," she says.

And the petitions will not be the end of her fight. Crowley Gottlieb plans to send a letter to all the pharmacists and businesses in Cambridge asking them to boycott Camel cigarettes.

Last month, the City Council passed a resolution supporting he crusade against Cool Joe.

Cool Joe could not be reached for comment.