Impact of ENDS Ban on Combustible Cigarette Sales: Evidence from US State Policies

Oct.27.2022
Impact of ENDS Ban on Combustible Cigarette Sales: Evidence from US State Policies
A study examines the impact of ENDS bans on combustible cigarette sales in three US states and finds an increase.

A study titled "The Impact of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) Bans on Combustible Cigarette Sales: Evidence from State-Level Policies in the United States" examined the short-term electronic cigarette bans that were implemented in several US states in response to public concerns in 2019. The research group analyzed whether state-level ENDS bans in Massachusetts, Washington, and Rhode Island led to increased cigarette sales, and found that this was indeed the case.


Our results indicate that states with bans had higher cigarette sales compared to other periods after the bans. The comprehensive ban of ENDS and cigarettes in Massachusetts was associated with a 7.5% increase in cigarette sales (P < .01); the ban of non-tobacco flavored ENDS was associated with a 4.5% higher than expected cigarette sales (P < .1). We did not find any statistically significant effects during the cessation period, and a randomized control trial with control status as a placebo test showed no difference in cigarette sales observed during the same period.


Changes in sales of electronic cigarette products after the inspection of the national flavor ban.


Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's analysis of the effects of the ban on the sale of flavored electronic cigarettes in Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington failed to take into account the differences in cigarette sales, resulting in flawed conclusions. The analysis by the CDC found that restrictions on the sale of non-tobacco flavored products were associated with a decrease in total electronic cigarette sales of between 25.01% and 31.26% compared to states with no restrictions.


However, the conclusion of this study has been criticized for several reasons, according to the Canadian Vaping Association (CVA). Firstly, the aforementioned statistics led to hasty assumptions and conclusions, that a decrease in total sales equates to a definite decrease in youth vaping rates. Additionally, the study failed to prove in any way that a decrease in smoking rates occurred among youth. "Firstly, the study acknowledges that it was incapable of evaluating the age of purchasers. The most common way for young people to obtain these products is through social purchasing. Even if the age of purchasers could be verified, it would only be possible to determine the decrease in youth vaping through additional research.


The most important factor is the increase in CVA. Even if e-cigarette sales decrease among young people, it can only be considered a victory if it is proven that they did not start smoking in the first place. Additionally, reducing the use of e-cigarettes is not a victory when the outcome could be former smokers relapsing or turning to potentially dangerous black markets.


Statement:


This article is compiled from third-party information and provided solely for industry professionals for educational and exchange purposes.


This article does not represent the views of 2FIRSTS and 2FIRSTS cannot confirm the truthfulness or accuracy of the article's content. The translation of this article is only for the purpose of exchanging and researching within the industry.


Due to limitations in translation ability, the translated article may not accurately convey the same meaning as the original. It is recommended to refer to the original article for accuracy.


2FIRSTS maintains complete alignment with the Chinese government on any domestic, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, or foreign-related statements and stances.


Copyright for compiled information belongs to the original media and authors, please contact for removal if there is any infringement.



Disclaimer

This article is provided solely for professional research, industry discussion, and informational purposes. Any references to brands, companies, products, technologies, or policies are made for factual reporting and analytical purposes only, and do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, promotion, or advertising by 2Firsts.

Nicotine-containing products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches, carry significant health risks. Readers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions, including age restrictions and access limitations.

The information contained in this article should not be regarded as investment, legal, medical, regulatory, or commercial advice. While 2Firsts strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its content, it does not assume liability for any direct or indirect loss arising from errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or reliance on the information contained herein.

This article is not intended for individuals below the legal age for accessing tobacco or nicotine-related information in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright Notice

This article is either original content produced by 2Firsts or content reproduced, translated, summarized, or adapted from third-party sources with attribution where applicable. The intellectual property rights of the original content remain with 2Firsts or the respective original rights holders.

No individual or organization may copy, reproduce, distribute, republish, modify, translate, or otherwise use this content without prior authorization. Any unauthorized use may result in legal action.

For copyright-related inquiries, corrections, or removal requests, please contact: info@2firsts.com.

 

AI-Assisted Translation and Editing Notice

Portions of this article may have been translated, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and readability. Due to the limitations of AI-assisted translation and editing, discrepancies, omissions, or inaccuracies may exist when compared with the original source.

Where applicable, readers are advised to refer to the original source for the most complete and accurate information. If you identify any errors or believe that any content infringes upon your rights, please contact us at info@2firsts.com, and we will review and address the matter promptly.

Product | PMI Japan Expands ZYN by IQOS Strength Portfolio With Strong Series, Increasing Lineup to 12 Products
Product | PMI Japan Expands ZYN by IQOS Strength Portfolio With Strong Series, Increasing Lineup to 12 Products
Philip Morris Japan (PMJ) has expanded the ZYN by IQOS oral tobacco pouch portfolio in Japan with four new ZYN Strong products, adding a third intensity level alongside the existing Low and Medium ranges. The Strong series first entered selected duty-free channels in Japan on July 1, 2026, before expanding to IQOS stores, the ZYN Online Store and selected tobacco retailers from August 18. The expansion increases the Japanese ZYN by IQOS lineup from eight to 12 products.
Aug.20
New Zealand Associate Health Minister Casey Costello Warns on Illicit Cigarettes as Legal Tobacco Sales Halve Over Decade
New Zealand Associate Health Minister Casey Costello Warns on Illicit Cigarettes as Legal Tobacco Sales Halve Over Decade
New Zealand Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said legal tobacco sales in the country have fallen by more than half over the past decade, with sales declining more than 20% in 2025 compared with the previous year. She warned that the decline may not fully reflect lower smoking rates, as increased availability of illicit cigarettes could also be contributing. The government said it would continue strengthening tobacco and vape retail enforcement while monitoring the impact of illicit tobacco on public health and tax revenue.
Aug.26
After Apple Business Decline, South Korea’s ITM Semiconductor Expands KT&G Vape Supply Chain as Vape Revenue Rises 24.8%
After Apple Business Decline, South Korea’s ITM Semiconductor Expands KT&G Vape Supply Chain as Vape Revenue Rises 24.8%
South Korean electronics component supplier ITM Semiconductor is reshaping its business portfolio after a decline in Apple-related protection circuit business, expanding its supply of vape devices and cartridges to KT&G. According to News1 on August 18, 2026, ITM’s vape-related revenue rose 24.8% year on year to 75.5 billion won in the first half of 2026. The company began mass production of vape devices at its Cikarang, Indonesia facility in January 2026, strengthening export manufacturing capacity. Meanwhile, Samsung-related protection circuit sales continued to grow, providing support during the transition.
Aug.20
On-Site Report | CTP Details PMTA Backlog, 180-Day Review Goal and sPMTA Process
On-Site Report | CTP Details PMTA Backlog, 180-Day Review Goal and sPMTA Process
FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products detailed new PMTA review data and process changes at the 2026 FDLI conference. Pending PMTAs fell from about 450,000 at the start of 2025 to 135,000 by September 2026. CTP also discussed its 180-day review goal, current sPMTA pilot, alternate-supplier planning, more than 50,300 pending SE reports, and lessons from the nicotine pouch pilot already being applied to ENDS review.
Regulations
Oct.07
Product | IVG Launches NEXiO Prefilled Pod System, Expanding Beyond Disposable Vapes
Product | IVG Launches NEXiO Prefilled Pod System, Expanding Beyond Disposable Vapes
UK vape brand IVG has launched the NEXiO reusable prefilled pod system, expanding its product portfolio beyond disposable vape products. The device features a 1,000mAh rechargeable battery, prefilled pods with a refill reservoir structure and a claimed capacity of up to 10,000 puffs. Officially launched in the UK on July 9, 2026, NEXiO debuted with 17 flavor options, reflecting IVG’s move into reusable pod formats.
Aug.19
Product | R.J. Reynolds Launches Four Flavored Vuse Pro Pods for Vuse Alto Devices in U.S.
Product | R.J. Reynolds Launches Four Flavored Vuse Pro Pods for Vuse Alto Devices in U.S.
R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company has introduced Vuse Pro prefilled pods in Peach, Berry, Watermelon and Fresh Mint in selected U.S. states. Vuse’s U.S. website says the pods are intended for use with existing Vuse Alto devices. Each contains 2.0 mL of e-liquid at 5.0% nicotine by weight, uses nicotine salts and is offered in two- and four-pod packs. Reynolds said the rollout includes mandatory ID scanning for every purchase, purchase limits, stronger retailer-accountability requirements and strict age-restricted marketing standards. The four pods have not received marketing authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Sep.10