Effects of menthol cigarette and e-cigarette regulations on smokers

The Impact of Menthol Regulation for Cigarettes and E-cigarettes on Tobacco Use Patterns for Current Menthol Smokers

NA · Medical University of South Carolina · NCT05896033

This study tests how rules about menthol cigarettes and e-cigarettes affect people who currently smoke menthols to see if it changes their smoking habits.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages21 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMedical University of South Carolina (other)
Locations1 site (Charleston, South Carolina)
Trial IDNCT05896033 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how regulations on menthol cigarettes and e-cigarettes affect current menthol smokers. A total of 240 participants will be assigned to use either menthol or non-menthol cigarettes and either menthol or tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes over a 7-week period. Participants will complete daily electronic diaries to track their tobacco use, and their results will be validated with biomarkers. The study aims to provide insights into the impact of menthol bans on smoking behavior and cessation efforts.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older who smoke at least 5 menthol cigarettes daily and have been doing so for at least one year.

Not a fit: Patients who do not smoke menthol cigarettes or who are planning to move out of the area within the next three months may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could inform regulatory policies that help reduce smoking rates among menthol cigarette users.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored tobacco regulation impacts, but this specific approach focusing on menthol products is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. adults (21+) who a) have been smoking at least 5 cigarettes daily for one year
2. usual brand (the brand used most often) is mentholated
3. have a smartphone that can receive text messages and access the internet (necessary for diary completion).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. other tobacco and pharmacotherapy criteria
2. health and safety criteria
3. planning to move out of the area within the next 3 months

Where this trial is running

Charleston, South Carolina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Smoking Prevention and Control, Smoking, Menthol

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.