Now smoke free, President Barack Obama came down on tobacco companies Thursday for their opposition to new cigarette labels meant to stop smoking.

The FDA-approved warning labels feature graphic images of the dangers of smoking, like a picture of a dead corpse and an individual with rotting teeth.

In a White House video posted online, Obama said tobacco companies are fighting the labels because they don't want to be honest about the consequences of smoking.

"The fact is, quitting smoking is hard," he said. "Believe me, I know."

"Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable early deaths in this country," Obama added. "We also know that the best way to prevent the health problems that come with smoking is to keep young people from starting in the first place."

Obama commended the country for making progress in reducing the number of Americans who smoke. But he also stressed that 46 million people are still addicted.

The video was made in observance of Thursday's 36th annual Great American Smokeout by the American Cancer Society.