Search

Objectives: This study identifies the specific product characteristics driving mass-merchandise cigar sales in the context of the changing regulatory environment. Methods: Cigar sales data in US convenience stores during 2008-2015 were purchased from Nielsen's Convenience Track system. Descriptive statistics highlight changes in the cigar market over time. Results: Sales of flavored cigars increased by nearly 50% since 2008 and now make up over half of the cigar market. Fruit remains the most popular flavor group, but the sale of non-descript flavors such as "Jazz" and "Green" has grown substantially. Inexpensive 2-and 3-packs made up less than 1% of cigar sales in 2008, but by 2015 this packaging style held 40% of the market share. Black & Mild and Swisher Sweets dominate the convenience store channel and together are responsible for nearly 60% of total mass-merchandise cigar sales. Conclusions: Cigar companies take advantage of features recently banned for cigarettes, such as flavorings and small pack sizes to maintain strong sales. Given the appeal of mass-merchandise cigars to youth and young adults, the FDA and other governing bodies should regulate the manufacturing and promotion of cigars in the same way they have regulated cigarettes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We examined if: (1) exposure to marketing of e-cigarettes, harm perceptions, and beliefs about government evaluation of e-cigarettes were associated with e-cigarette use among college students; and (2) whether the aforementioned factors differed by current cigarette smoking status. Methods: Overall, 5028 students 18-24 years old completed an online survey in spring 2012. Results: Current cigarette smokers were more likely than non-smokers to use e-cigarettes, to report lower e-cigarette harm perceptions, and surprisingly, less exposure to e-cigarette marketing. There were no group differences on beliefs about government evaluation. Sex, race/ethnicity, current cigarette smoking, and harm perceptions were associated with e-cigarette use. Conclusion: Findings highlight the need to address harm perceptions regarding e-cigarette use, with focus on college students, particularly ones who smoke cigarettes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This research examined e-cigarette use among menthol smokers and the role of ecigarettes in response to a proposed ban on menthol cigarettes. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2014 Minnesota Adult Tobacco Survey. Results: Among Minnesota adult smokers, 25% use menthol cigarettes. Approximately half reported they would quit smoking if menthol cigarettes were banned; 12.3% reported they would switch to menthol e-cigarettes. Almost 75% of menthol smokers have tried e-cigarettes; 58% of whom used them to try to quit cigarettes. Conclusions: Nearly half of menthol smokers are ready to quit, and report that a ban would provide additional momentum for quitting. Many are already using e-cigarettes as cessation aids, despite a lack of evidence regarding efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper presents an argument that tobacco regulatory research must reflect current science regarding tobacco addiction. Methods: The systematic literature review contained herein provides an overview of clinical and neuroscience research. Results: The literature supports the case of tobacco addiction as a neurobiological disorder that develops in a set sequence with characteristic signs and symptoms. Moreover, research suggests that it cannot be assumed that non-rewarding doses of nicotine are incapable of triggering addiction. Conclusion: Beyond the physical attributes of the product, regulatory science also should consider the role of environmental factors such as cues, price, availability, and promotion in fostering and sustaining nicotine addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]