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State Flavor Bans Reduce Vaping but Slow Smoking Decline, JAMA Study Finds

Researchers warn the shift toward combustible cigarettes underscores the need for integrated tobacco control policies

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Overview

  • Seven states and Washington, D.C. enacted flavored e-cigarette bans in 2020 as part of efforts to curb youth vaping
  • Analysis of 2019–2023 survey data shows a 6.7-point drop in vaping among 18- to 24-year-olds and a 1.2-point decline among adults over 25 in policy states
  • Those jurisdictions saw smaller reductions or outright increases in combustible cigarette use among teenagers and young adults compared with states without bans
  • Variations in enforcement strength and exemptions for menthol or specialty retailers contributed to differing impacts across states
  • Investigators call for complementary anti-smoking campaigns and further research to prevent nicotine users from switching to more harmful products