Flavored tobacco policy resource center

Local flavored tobacco policies (As of December 31, 2025)

12/31/25

This resource presents a quarterly breakdown on the current state of U.S. jurisdictions with policies on flavored tobacco products.

Flavored nicotine pouch use in the United States: Mint represents the leading flavor

4/1/2026

Nicotine pouches are an emerging tobacco product available in a variety of flavors. We examined flavor preferences among adults who used nicotine pouches in the past 30 days and identified characteristics associated with flavored-only versus unflavored-only use.

A systematic review investigating policy design and implementation of US state and local policy to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products

2/12/2026

State and local jurisdictions in the United States are increasingly adopting flavored tobacco sales restrictions (FTSRs) to mitigate tobacco initiation and use. Policy implementation is highly understudied yet can impact policy effectiveness. This review examines existing literature on state and local FTSR policy design and implementation in the United States.

Clearly flavoured: rising popularity of ‘clear’ flavoured e-cigarettes and what online descriptions reveal 

2/4/2026

Flavours play a key role in e-cigarette initiation and continued use among US youth. In 2021, e-cigarette manufacturers introduced ostensibly unflavoured products using a ‘clear’ descriptor. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study describes trends in retail sales and terminology used in online marketing or advertising of clear-flavoured e-cigarettes.

Cooling the Conversation: Discourse About Menthol and Flavored Tobacco Restrictions on Tiktok

2/1/2026

TikTok promotes methods that circumvent commerce laws and advances disinformation about tobacco policies. Currently, flavor-related policies are contentious tobacco control issues. This paper examines flavor bans content on TikTok.

The Public Health Impacts of Flavored Cigar Bans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

1/29/2026

This review summarizes research on the public health impacts of flavored cigar bans, which are policies that restrict the sale of cigars containing characterizing flavors.

State-Level Flavored E-Cigarette Bans and Initiation Rates Among Youths and Adults

1/5/2026

The availability of flavored e-cigarettes contributes to adolescent and young adult e-cigarette initiation, exposing users to nicotine and other e-cigarette constituents. In 2020, several US states implemented comprehensive e-cigarette flavor bans to complement the federal e-cigarette flavor enforcement action that applied only to pod-based e-cigarette devices.

Monitoring a Changing Tobacco Product Market in the United States

1/5/2026

Monitoring a Changing Tobacco Product Market in the United States is the second annual review of nicotine market trends from the Monitoring Tobacco Product Use project. The report analyzes retail data on nicotine products sold from January 2019 to December 2024 and results from the Tobacco Epidemic Evaluation Network (TEEN+) Study, a nationally representative survey of youth and young adults aged 13-24.

Population coverage and comprehensiveness of flavoured tobacco sales restrictions in the USA, 2010–2023

10/20/2025

Flavoured tobacco products (FTPs) are associated with tobacco initiation and sustained tobacco use. Federal, state and local governments in the USA have enacted policies to restrict FTPs. This paper estimates the percentage of the US population (national and state levels) covered by state and local FTP sales restrictions of different comprehensiveness levels.

The Effects of State-Level Flavored Electronic Cigarette Restrictions on Adult Tobacco Use Using Multilevel Modeling: Findings From the PATH Study Waves 5 and 7 (2018–2023)

9/5/2025

Flavors play an important role in e-cigarette use among both young people and adults, but evaluations of flavored e-cigarette policies have focused almost exclusively on youth. This longitudinal study examined how flavored e-cigarette policies affect tobacco use over time for different adult age groups using data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study.

Data Brief | Issue 2, Nicotine Pouches

9/1/2025

Use of nicotine pouches is increasing rapidly among youth and young adults—nearly quadrupling between TEEN+ Wave 1 (July– October 2022) and Wave 6 (February–June 2025).

Impact of state cigarette and e-cigarette flavors bans on smoking, vaping and dual use in the United States

9/1/2025

Some states have banned flavors in various tobacco products. This can reduce use of banned products and induce substitution towards non-banned products. The net impact must be determined empirically. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impacts of these bans on both use and substitution.

National longitudinal risk of tobacco use among youth and young adults in US local jurisdictions with and without flavor and comprehensive smoke-free policies, 2014-2019

8/11/2025

Flavored tobacco products are associated with youth and young adult tobacco use and disparities by racial and ethnic minorities and those of lower socioeconomic status.

Stronger flavor policies, better outcomes for young people: comparing youth and young adult tobacco use behaviors in areas with and without flavored tobacco sales restrictions, by strength of policy, 2022

8/11/2025

This study assesses differences in tobacco product use and flavored tobacco use among youth and young adults residing in areas with and without flavored tobacco restriction policies other than federal-level restrictions, by strength of policy.

Monitoring E-Cigarette Sales: National Trends

8/1/2025

Restrictions that exempt certain flavors and product types likely shift sales to the products and flavors that remain on the market. Policies that prohibit all nontobacco-flavored e-cigarettes, including flavored disposable e-cigarettes and menthol-flavored prefilled cartridges, reduce e-cigarette sales and may reduce youth access and use of e-cigarettes.

New Study Shows E-Cigarette and Cigarette Sales in California Have Declined Following Law Banning Flavored Tobacco

7/31/2025

To assess changes in e-cigarette and cigarette sales, overall and by flavor type, following implementation of California’s law prohibiting flavored tobacco product sales.

US state implementation of policies restricting sales of flavoured E-cigarettes: a qualitative analysis

6/30/2025

Key themes in implementation included the roles of clear product definitions and enforcement processes, coordination across state and local governments, adequate resources and communication with retailers.

Changes in U.S. and State Cigarette Sales Following Flavored Tobacco Sales Restrictions (2019-2024)

3/1/2025

This brief describes cigarette sales trends in the total U.S. and in states with flavored tobacco sales restrictions during the period before and after policy implementation.

Tobacco Retail Sales in Massachusetts and New Hampshire Before and After Massachusetts' Flavored Tobacco Restriction

8/1/2024

This article assesses tobacco sales in both states post–law implementation. Retail scanner data were obtained from the Nielsen Company and Information Resources, Inc (IRI), from 1 year pre–law implementation to 2 years post–law implementation.

Reframing social media discourse following the FDA’s menthol ban announcement as industry agenda setting rather than public sentiment

7/26/24

Online discussion framing menthol bans as avenues for racialized discrimination were unlikely to come from organic Black accounts. Subreddits dedicated to Black issues and culture had almost no discussion about menthol bans leading to racial violence. This points to the likelihood that such narratives are pushed by the tobacco industry rather than a genuine concern coming from the Black community.

Widespread Misperceptions Among US Adults About Tobacco Company Engagement in Black and African American Communities

5/2/24

Survey respondents indicated low awareness of tobacco industry tactics, especially the targeting of Black communities. They also showed high rates of belief in tobacco industry disinformation about menthol.

The Impact of Menthol Cigarette Bans: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis 

2/21/24

Data pooled from a variety of studies indicates that menthol bans cause 24% of menthol smokers to quit smoking entirely. National bans were more effective than localized bans.

What is Zyn and what are oral nicotine pouches?

10/16/2025

Oral nicotine pouches, from brands such as Zyn, On! and Velo, are small white pouches containing nicotine powder and flavorings that are inserted into the mouth. Oral nicotine pouches have gained popularity in recent years and are now the second most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students, following e-cigarettes.

Truth Initiative Statement on FDA’s Authorization of JUUL Products

7/17/2025

Today’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decision to authorize the marketing of tobacco and menthol-flavored JUUL e-cigarette products underscores the need for continued vigilance in protecting young people from nicotine initiation and addiction.

Need for Balancing Youth Protection and Adult Access: The Imperative of FDA’s Zyn Authorization

1/17/2025

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s authorization of 20 Zyn nicotine pouch products addresses an ongoing need to provide adults who smoke with access to less harmful alternatives to combustible cigarettes.

11 Leading Organizations Urge U.S. Supreme Court to Uphold FDA’s Marketing Denial Orders for Flavored E-Cigarettes

9/3/2024

Eleven leading medical, public health and community organizations have filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court urging the Court to reverse a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit that struck down the FDA’s marketing denial orders for certain flavored e-liquids.

White House Decision Not to Issue Final Menthol Rule Represents Huge Loss for Public Health, Social Justice

4/26/2024

The White House’s announcement that it would delay the decision to ban menthol in cigarettes represents a failure to protect public health and save lives. The burden of menthol-related tobacco deaths especially affects young people, the LGBTQ+ community, and Black Americans.

Young people urge White House to take action on menthol

4/17/2024

Young people across the country united for truth’s annual Moment of Action, which this year focused on urging the White House to finalize the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) proposed rules on menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. 

Menthol: Facts, stats and regulations

1/23/2024

A comprehensive factsheet details the history, marketing, health effects, patterns of use, and policy environment of menthol tobacco products.

Why ending menthol cigarette sales would benefit disproportionally affected groups

11/21/2023

Restricting the sale of menthol cigarettes would specifically promote positive changes in health equity for various marginalized groups. The article describes the vulnerabilities of members of racial/ethnic minority groups, women, the LGBT community, and those suffering from mental illness to the perils of targeting by the tobacco industry.

FDA’s Latest Marketing Denial Order for Menthol E-Cigarette Products Underscores Its Continued Commitment to Sound Science

3/17/2023

The FDA’s latest decision to issue marketing denial orders for two R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company’s Vuse Solo brand menthol cartridges builds on earlier marketing denials for Vuse Vibe Tank Menthol 3.0% and Vuse Ciro Cartridge Menthol 1.5%. The decision highlights the FDA’s commitment to consistent action on regulating flavored e-cigarettes and protecting youth from highly addictive, menthol-flavored e-cigarettes.

3 lessons on preventing loopholes in flavored tobacco restrictions

7/6/2022

To prevent loopholes in the FDA’s proposed rules to remove menthol and flavored cigars from the market, the FDA’s rules should include (1) swift finalization and implementation, (2) comprehensive rules to block engineering and marketing tactics, and (3) no exemptions or substitutions to the rules against menthol and flavored cigars, which should also be implemented closely together.

Monitoring E-Cigarette Sales: State Trends

9/7/2025

This data brief highlights trends in e-cigarette unit sales in selected states. Data is presented from February 2019 to September 2025.

CDCF Data Brief – Changes in US and State Cigarette Sales Following Flavored Tobacco Sales Restrictions (2018-2023)

5/1/24

Cigarette sales have declined over a 6 year period, especially in states with comprehensive flavored tobacco restrictions. States that only restricted sales of flavored e-cigarettes saw a decline in sales that was more modest than sales in states with comprehensive restrictions.

Early evidence of flavored tobacco product restrictions in Massachusetts and New York State

10/24/2023

Researchers report that restrictions on the sale of flavored e-cigarettes in Massachusetts and New York State resulted in significantly reduced sales over the 9 month survey period. The study provides strong evidence that the restriction of flavored tobacco products is a vital step in reducing nicotine addiction, especially among young people.

California

Youth and young adult flavour expectancies for new ‘non-menthol’ cigarettes introduced following California’s ban on flavoured tobacco products

12/10/2025

Following California’s statewide law prohibiting the sale of flavoured tobacco products, some cigarette brands introduced new variants advertised as non-menthol, yet featuring design and text commonly found in menthol cigarette marketing.

Measuring Changes in Non-Cigarette Tobacco Product Availability Following California's Statewide Flavored Tobacco Sales Restriction: A Synthetic Control Method Using Retailer Scanner

5/22/2025

California’s statewide law restricting most flavored tobacco product sales could reduce youth tobacco use if policy-restricted flavored tobacco products were to be fully removed from the marketplace.

Proliferation of ‘non-menthol’ cigarettes amid a statewide flavour ban

7/5/2023

Cigarettes in California are being marketed as “cooling” and “the non-menthol for menthol smokers” since the state banned the sale of flavored tobacco products including menthol in 2020.

Massachusetts

Adolescents’ Self-Reported Exposure to Advertisements for Flavored Tobacco Products After Implementation of a Statewide Ban on Flavored Tobacco Product Sales and Advertising in Massachusetts

12/9/2024

Massachusetts signed into law An Act Modernizing Tobacco Control (hereinafter, the Act) in 2019, which restricted retail sales of flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes. This study assessed differences in advertising exposure to flavored tobacco products among adolescents in Massachusetts compared with adolescents in 4 neighboring states after passage of the Act.

Evaluation of a Statewide Flavored Tobacco Restriction on Use, Access, and Cessation Among Black and White Tobacco Users in Massachusetts

6/9/2023

Tobacco industry marketing has historically targeted Black American tobacco users with menthol flavored products. This study examines the impact of statewide restrictions on flavored tobacco users in Massachusetts and assess possible disparities in policy impact between Black and White tobacco users.

New York

Changes in Sales of Vaping Products and Cigarettes Associated With the New York State Flavored Vaping Product Sales Restriction

9/2/2023

This study looked at sales of vaping products after New York implemented a statewide restriction on the retail sale of flavored vaping products to reduce availability of vaping products with youth-appealing flavors in 2020. The flavored vaping product policy was associated with fewer sales of flavored and total vaping products, indicating NY’s policy had its intended effect with limited unintended consequences.

Illinois

Changes in Retail Tobacco Product Availability Following a Chicago City Ordinance Restricting Sales of Menthol and Other Flavored Tobacco Products Near Schools

5/11/2023

In Chicago, retailers are not permitted to sell flavored tobacco products if they are located within 500 feet of any public, private, or alternative K-12 school. While proactive policies like this aim to reduce youth access and exposure to tobacco, retailer compliance is another story. Researchers examine availability of flavored tobacco among retailers subject to restriction compared to those that are not to assess changes following policy implementation.

CDC State Menthol Fact Sheets

2/23/24

State Menthol Fact Sheets are available for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council

AATCLC educates the public about the effects of tobacco on the Black community by highlighting the predatory marketing tactics employed by the tobacco industry and emphasizing the need to regulate all flavored tobacco products (including menthol). Resources include videos, news updates and a curriculum (by request) on the history of tobacco industry influence on Black Lives and Black Lungs.

The Center for Black Health & Equity

CFBH works to facilitate the implementation and promotion of comprehensive policies, community-led programs and culturally competent public health campaigns that benefit people of African descent. This resource provides fact sheets, reports, podcasts and social media creatives that focus on issues ranging from tobacco control to health disparities that disproportionately impact the black community such as diabetes, heart disease and mental health.

Public Health Law Center

The Public Health Law Center, a national public interest legal resource center dedicated to improving health through the power of law and policy, provides a number of resources on regulating flavored commercial tobacco products at the federal, state, and local levels, including policy considerations for addressing menthol tobacco products, examples from select U.S. jurisdictions that restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products, and practical guides on adopting and implementing flavored tobacco product policies.

Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids

CTFK is the leading advocacy organization working to reduce tobacco use and its deadly consequences in the United States and around the world. This site includes a searchable CTFK library of U.S. Resources by state or issue, including fact sheets on fighting flavored tobacco on both the federal and state/local levels.

National Native Network 

The National Native Network provides a forum for tribal organizations and American Indian/Alaska Native stakeholders to obtain and disseminate evidence-based and culturally relevant resources that aim to decrease tobacco-related health disparities among American Indian/Alaska Native communities across North America. Resources also include best practice tools for commercial tobacco and cancer prevention and control programs, and technical assistance in policy implementation, enforcement, and evaluation.

National Indian Health Board

The National Indian Health Board is a national non-profit organization established by tribes, that represents tribal governments by providing the tribal perspective on Capitol Hill related to federal legislation and regulations. They provide a number of resources to tribes, tribal organizations, federal agencies, and private foundations such as advocacy, policy formation and analysis, legislative and regulatory tracking, research on Indian health issues, program development and assessment, and training and technical assistance.

CDC Foundation

The CDC Foundation’s Monitoring E-Cigarette Use Among Youth project aims to augment existing national- and state-level surveillance activities related to youth tobacco product use in the US. The project includes several aims with available resources.