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.

AP Questions FDA Rationale as Glas Fruit-Flavored Vapes Won Authorization Without Added Cessation Benefit
AP Questions FDA Rationale as Glas Fruit-Flavored Vapes Won Authorization Without Added Cessation Benefit
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently authorized two fruit-flavored vaping products from Glas, but a newly released agency memo shows the products did not demonstrate greater smoking-cessation benefits than tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes. The Associated Press said the findings are likely to raise further questions about the FDA’s regulatory rationale and standards for flavored vaping products.
Jun.12
Germany Plans Tobacco Tax Hike, With Cigarette Prices Nearing €12 Per Pack by 2030
Germany Plans Tobacco Tax Hike, With Cigarette Prices Nearing €12 Per Pack by 2030
Germany plans to raise tobacco taxes over the coming years, potentially pushing the average price of a 20-cigarette pack to about €11.78 by 2030. The proposal also covers fine-cut tobacco, cigars, pipe tobacco and e-cigarette liquids.
Jul.14
State Registries Are Reshaping U.S. Vape Market Access 2Firsts Interview with U.S. Vapor Manufacturers Association President Allison Boughner
State Registries Are Reshaping U.S. Vape Market Access 2Firsts Interview with U.S. Vapor Manufacturers Association President Allison Boughner
As the U.S. vapor market faces FDA authorizations, import seizures and growing state-level restrictions, AVM President Allison Boughner told 2Firsts that state product registries and white-list systems are having the most immediate impact. She said distributors are placing greater weight on documentation, product origin and supply-chain transparency.
Special Report
May.26
UK Vape Brands Face White-Packaging and Flavour-Name Curbs in Youth-Appeal Crackdown
UK Vape Brands Face White-Packaging and Flavour-Name Curbs in Youth-Appeal Crackdown
The UK government and devolved administrations have launched a 12-week consultation on proposals to make vapes less appealing to children, including plain white packaging, limits on device colours, restrictions on flavour names and changes to how products are displayed in shops.
Jul.10
PMI Partners With Italian Tenor Andrea Bocelli to Launch “Believe. Further” Platform
PMI Partners With Italian Tenor Andrea Bocelli to Launch “Believe. Further” Platform
Philip Morris International (PMI) and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli have launched “Believe. Further,” a multi-year communications platform targeting cultural, institutional and business audiences in Europe, as PMI says smoke-free products accounted for 43% of its net revenues as of the first quarter of 2026.
Jul.01
South Korea’s New Vape Rules Raise Bar for E-Liquid Makers and China-Linked Supply Chains, Expert Says
South Korea’s New Vape Rules Raise Bar for E-Liquid Makers and China-Linked Supply Chains, Expert Says
South Korea’s new vape regulations are reshaping the e-liquid market, raising compliance requirements for manufacturers, retailers and overseas suppliers. In an interview with 2Firsts, Korean nicotine products specialist Sam Kim discusses licensing barriers, inventory impacts, China-linked supply chains, and emerging regulatory challenges around nicotine analogues, nicotine-free products and DIY mixing. The Korean case may offer broader insights as governments worldwide adapt to rapidly evolving nicotine products.
Jul.16