Differences in Subjective Experiences to First Use of Menthol and Nonmenthol Cigarettes in a National Sample of Young Adult Cigarette Smokers

Abstract

Menthol initiators were more likely to be younger (18-24 vs. 25-34), and black (vs. white) compared to nonmenthol initiators. Our finding that menthol initiators were less likely to feel nauseated at first cigarette use compared to nonmenthol initiators suggests that menthol may reduce aversion to early cigarette use among young smokers and thus has the potential to facilitate continued experimentation. Interventions and policy approaches to reduce tobacco use initiation and progression are urgently needed in young people.

Assessing cigarette packaging and labelling policy effects on early adolescents: results from a discrete choice experiment

“…initiate with menthol cigarettes, 32 33 which may be particularly important in early stages of tobacco use because the menthol reduces the harshness of cigarette smoke. 32 Perhaps because of this anaesthetic property, menthol also promotes misperceptions of reduced harm compared with non-flavoured, 'regular' cigarettes, 26 27 34-36 although these perceptions are not consistently found, with more recent studies finding that smokers misperceive menthol cigarettes as more harmful. [37][38][39][40][41] A rapidly growing market segment, particularly in Latin America, 42 43 involves cigarettes with flavour capsules in the filter that consumers can crush at any time to release a liquid that flavours the smoke.…”

Influence of Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Genetic Variants on the Subjective Effects of Smoked Cannabis

“…Regarding alcohol consumption, decreased sensitivity to the effects of alcohol has been associated with possible future heavy drinking and alcohol-related problems due to increased consumption to achieve desired results [ 42 , 43 ]. Future tobacco dependence may be predicted by feelings of relaxation associated with first time cigarette smoking, and initial consumption of menthol cigarettes has been associated with a more positive first experience, possibly leading to further experimentation [ 44 , 45 ].…”

Effect of electric heating and ice added to the bowl on mainstream waterpipe semivolatile furan and other toxicant yields

“…Another chemical that reduces the harshness of smoke, menthol, has also been linked to facilitating tobacco initiation in youth 51 and increased difficulty in successfully quitting cigarette smoking. 52 53 Government legislators are beginning to acknowledge menthol's power to contribute to the 2 trillion dollar (purchasing power parity) economic cost to society each year from tobacco use 54 : Brazil, Ethiopia, the European Union, Turkey and five Canadian provinces have banned the sale of menthol in tobacco products, 54 and recently the US FDA announced it will be taking similar steps with proposed rulemaking.…”