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.

EU Launches Online Feedback as TPD Revision Enters New Milestone
EU Launches Online Feedback as TPD Revision Enters New Milestone
The European Commission has opened an online call for evidence on revising EU tobacco products and advertising rules, marking a new phase in the TPD/TAD review. Policy options may cover novel products, flavours, packaging, digital marketing and advertising. A 2Firsts review of 855 early submissions shows rapid engagement and recurring debate over differentiated regulation, harm reduction, youth protection, illicit trade and economic impact.
Special Report
May.21
FDA Renews Exposure Modification Authorization for IQOS Devices and Three HeatSticks Products
FDA Renews Exposure Modification Authorization for IQOS Devices and Three HeatSticks Products
U.S. Food and Drug Administration renewed modified risk granted orders for five IQOS products from Philip Morris Products S.A., including two IQOS system holders and chargers and three HeatSticks products. Under the renewed orders, the products may continue to be marketed with an exposure modification claim.
Apr.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Exclusive Analysis | RLX Q1 Revenue Rises 96.2%, International Business Points to a More Integrated Global Strategy
2Firsts Exclusive Analysis | RLX Q1 Revenue Rises 96.2%, International Business Points to a More Integrated Global Strategy
RLX Technology’s Q1 net revenues rose 96.2% year over year, with international business accounting for 72.3% of total revenue. Beyond the headline growth, the results point to deeper globalization: European operations, Nexus supply-chain integration and a broader product portfolio are becoming key signals to watch.
Special Report
May.20
China Tobacco Yunnan Patent Describes Cigar Flavor Granules With Encapsulation Rate Above 77%
China Tobacco Yunnan Patent Describes Cigar Flavor Granules With Encapsulation Rate Above 77%
According to public records from China’s National Intellectual Property Administration, a patent application filed by China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co., Ltd. for “cigar flavor granules” was published on May 12, 2026. The filing proposes purifying an ethanol extract of cigar tobacco leaves using LX-8 macroporous resin, followed by encapsulation with maltodextrin and sucrose fatty acid ester to improve smoking comfort, reduce dryness and enhance aroma release stability in reconstituted tobacco.
Jun.10
U.S. Senator Durbin Criticizes FDA’s First Flavored Vape Authorization, Says Trump Administration Conceded to Big Tobacco
U.S. Senator Durbin Criticizes FDA’s First Flavored Vape Authorization, Says Trump Administration Conceded to Big Tobacco
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin on May 13 criticized the Trump Administration’s Food and Drug Administration for approving the sale and marketing of fruit-flavored e-cigarettes for the first time, while also allowing some illegal vaping products to remain on the market. He also linked the regulatory shift to the departure of FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, saying White House pressure on regulators to approve tobacco product applications could create serious public-health consequences.
Regulations
May.15
 FDA Begins Review of 22nd Century’s VLN MRTP Renewal Applications
FDA Begins Review of 22nd Century’s VLN MRTP Renewal Applications
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated scientific review of renewal applications for 22nd Century Group’s VLN reduced-nicotine cigarettes under the Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) pathway, with current authorizations set to expire in December 2026.
News
May.13