Impact of State Flavored E-Cigarette Bans on Tobacco Use Among Young Adults

Recent research indicates that state legislation banning flavored e-cigarettes, intended to prevent youth nicotine initiation, may have unintended negative consequences. A study published in Health Economics reveals that while these bans reduce vaping rates among young adults aged 18–24 by approximately 2–3 percentage points, they are also associated with an increase in traditional cigarette use within this demographic. Using comprehensive national datasets and advanced statistical analyses, researchers found that many young adults shift from vaping to smoking cigarettes, which are significantly more harmful to health.

Specifically, the findings suggest a substitution effect where young adults, deprived of flavored e-cigarettes, turn to combustible cigarettes, potentially heightening their overall health risk. The data showed some indication of increased cigarette use among youth under 18 as well, though no significant change was observed in adults aged 25 and older. These results raise concerns that bans on flavored e-cigarettes might undermine broader tobacco control goals.

Henry Saffer, Ph.D., the study’s lead author, emphasized that despite the well-meaning intent of these regulations, they could inadvertently promote a more dangerous form of nicotine consumption. This highlights the need for policymakers to consider comprehensive approaches that do not simply shift young adults from less harmful vaping to more harmful smoking.

For more detailed insights, refer to the study: Health Economics, 2025.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-state-flavored-cigarettes-inadvertently-traditional.html