Understanding the impact of a menthol ban on smoking behavior

Evaluating the Potential Impact of a Menthol Ban in Cigarettes and E-cigarettes Among Current Menthol Smokers

Not applicable Interventional Yale University · NCT05259566

This study is testing how a ban on menthol cigarettes affects the smoking habits of adults who currently smoke them, to see if switching to different flavored e-cigarettes can help them quit.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages21 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorYale University Academic / other
Locations1 site (New Haven, Connecticut)
Trial IDNCT05259566 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of a proposed menthol ban on cigarette smoking behavior among adults who currently smoke menthol cigarettes. Participants will be randomized into three groups to assess how access to menthol versus tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes influences their smoking habits over an 8-week period. The study aims to provide insights into potential harm reduction strategies and the impact of menthol bans on tobacco-related health disparities. It will take place over four years at Yale University, enrolling 150 participants.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older who currently smoke menthol cigarettes and are willing to try e-cigarettes.

Not a fit: Patients seeking smoking cessation treatment or those with serious psychiatric or medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could inform policies that help reduce smoking rates and improve public health outcomes among menthol cigarette smokers.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the effects of flavoring in tobacco products, but this specific approach to assessing menthol bans is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
* Age 21 or older
* Able to read English
* Currently smoking cigarettes
* Willing to try e-cigarettes
* In good general health

Exclusion Criteria:

* Seeking smoking cessation treatment
* Serious psychiatric or medical condition
* Use of other drugs
* Unable or unwilling to complete study protocol
* Contraindications for study procedures based on medical history

Where this trial is running

New Haven, Connecticut

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.
Conditions Tobacco SmokingmentholE-cigarettecigarette
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.