Menthol Cigarettes Banned in the UK – What it Means
If you are reading this, then the chances are that you have already heard the news of the ban on menthol and other flavored cigarettes across the United Kingdom and the European Union. Many people are wondering why they were banned, especially since they were often perceived as less harmful and better tasting than regular cigarettes. Why are only certain flavored products under fire?
In this article, you’ll learn why these products are being banned and what the future prospects are for those who enjoyed flavored and menthol cigarettes.
Ever since menthol cigarettes hit the market in the early 1950s, they have been a sensation among smokers. Their flavor masks the unpleasant smell and taste of tobacco, making it easier for those who dislike the smell of tobacco to smoke them. This is a primary reason why smoking menthol or flavored cigarettes has become very popular, especially among teenagers around the world.
Consequently, since 2012, the debate about banning menthol cigarettes has been making rounds across the world, and the UK finally became one of the first to ban these kinds of cigarettes. This ban is imposed in light of different surveys suggesting that a high percentage of people who start smoking with menthol and flavored cigarettes never quit, while those who smoke regular cigarettes are more likely to quit later in life.
Will Other Countries Follow the UK?
This ban is imposed in good faith by the UK government, with the expectation that it will lead to a decline in the number of teenage smokers. However, recent data from Canada has suggested that such bans may not result in a net change in youth smoking rates.
Despite these observations, there is a strong possibility that other countries where teenage smoking is or has been a growing problem will follow in the UK’s footsteps and begin legislating to ban menthol and flavored cigarettes within their borders.
What About Menthol Cigarettes Ban in the USA?
In the United States of America, authorities have been working diligently to address the issue of menthol cigarettes, as the teenage smoking rate has been increasing at an alarming rate.
It is for this reason that the FDA has conducted numerous research studies. While some of these have explored a potential “plus side” for adults regarding hardcore smoking habits, the downside is widely considered alarming: almost all these studies indicate that menthol and flavored cigarettes promote smoking in teenagers. What’s even more concerning is that the chances of these teenagers quitting in their later ages are very bleak.
Time to Switch to Vapes?
If you are a citizen of the US, you may need a healthier and safer alternative.
Many people believe it is only a matter of time until menthol and flavored cigarettes are banned in the US. However, given the significant influence of the tobacco business, such changes often face considerable hurdles.
Is it banned in E-Cigarettes and Vape?
If you just love the menthol flavor, then you don’t have to worry about anything. Menthol is only banned in tobacco cigarettes. You can still enjoy menthol-flavored e-cigarettes. If you have a vape, you can easily buy vape juice in menthol, or any other flavor for that matter. Therefore, shifting to vaping with e-cigs is a healthier solution than smoking and likely the only way to continue enjoying your preferred flavors.
