Investigating how banning menthol in cigarettes and e-cigarettes affects smoking habits.
Official title: The impact of menthol regulation for cigarettes and e-cigarettes on tobacco use patterns for current menthol smokers
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11082483 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a possible ban on menthol cigarettes and e-cigarettes might change the way people who currently smoke menthols behave, and it’s for folks who smoke menthol cigarettes and want to see how different flavors might affect their smoking habits over seven weeks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $736,608 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA055985-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082483 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are current menthol smokers aged 21 and older who are willing to participate in a trial involving changes to their smoking products.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not smoke menthol cigarettes or e-cigarettes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the effects of a potential ban on menthol cigarettes and e-cigarettes on the smoking behaviors of current menthol smokers. Participants will be involved in a randomized controlled trial where they will be assigned to use either menthol or non-menthol cigarettes and either menthol or tobacco-flavored e-liquids over a period of seven weeks. The study aims to gather prospective data on how these bans might influence tobacco use patterns, including smoking cessation and the use of nicotine products. By understanding these dynamics, the research seeks to inform public health policies regarding menthol tobacco products.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective tobacco control policies that help reduce smoking rates among menthol smokers.
How similar studies have gone: While there is existing research on menthol tobacco products, this specific approach of examining the combined effects of bans on both cigarettes and e-cigarettes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Tracy Taylor — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Smith, Tracy Taylor
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.