A quarter of smokers quit following menthol bans, study finds

Nearly a quarter of menthol cigarette smokers quit in the year or two after a ban on menthol went into effect, according to a study published on Wednesday (Source: “A Quarter of Smokers Quit Under Menthol Bans, Study Finds,” New York Times, Feb. 22).

Researchers, who conducted a meta analysis of studies, smoking rates and cigarette sales, estimate that about half of the menthol smokers switched to other cigarettes and another quarter managed to keep smoking menthols.

The study also analyzed the effects of bans in other countries, including Canada and some in the European Union, as well as bans enforced in states, including Massachusetts.

The rate of menthol smokers who quit was higher in nations that imposed bans, in contrast with cities or states, since it was harder for people to drive a few miles to keep buying menthol cigarettes, according to the study.

The Food and Drug Administration has urged the Biden administration to impose a federal ban on menthol cigarettes, a goal that has generated intense opposition from retailers and tobacco companies.

The Ohio Senate in January overturned Gov. Mike DeWine's veto of a measure that prohibited cities from imposing flavored tobacco bans (Source: “Ohio Senate overrides DeWine veto to keep cities from banning flavored tobacco,” Columbus Dispatch, Jan. 24).