Research Shows Flavor Bans Reduce Youth Vaping but May Impact Cigarette Trends

A recent study conducted by researchers from Mass General Brigham has explored the impacts of policies banning flavored e-cigarettes on both youth and adult tobacco use. The findings indicate that in states that implemented flavor bans, there was a significant reduction in e-cigarette use among young adults aged 18–24 and adults over 25, compared to states without such bans. Specifically, e-cigarette prevalence decreased by 6.7 percentage points among young adults in policy states by 2022, and by 1.2 percentage points among adults aged 25+ in 2023. Additionally, youth e-cigarette use diminished from 24.1% in 2019 to 14.0% in 2023 within these states. However, the study also revealed a concerning trend: the decline in cigarette smoking among teens and young adults slowed down in the states with flavor bans. For example, in 2021, cigarette use among youths was 1.8 percentage points higher than expected in policy states, and among young adults, it was 3.7 percentage points higher than anticipated. These variations can be partially attributed to differences in enforcement and exemptions within the bans, such as allowed menthol flavors or specific retail outlets. The research highlights the complex effects of flavor restrictions and emphasizes the need for additional strategies that effectively curb youth nicotine addiction without inadvertently stalling the downward trend in cigarette smoking. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, underscores the importance of careful policy design and continuous evaluation to balance public health goals.