Research from Cornell economists indicates that a national ban on menthol cigarettes may not yield the intended public health benefits. Instead, it could lead to a significant rise in illegal sales, particularly in larger cities. The study anticipates that demand for menthol cigarettes would remain high despite the ban, especially if menthol-flavored alternatives, like e-cigarettes, are not readily available. This scenario poses additional challenges, including increased law enforcement interactions affecting predominantly Black smokers, thereby complicating the regulatory landscape.
Banning menthol cigarettes may lead to increased illegal sales, counteracting the FDA's goal of reducing smoking as many smokers will still seek out the product.
The research suggests a ban could exacerbate illegal markets and raise law enforcement concerns, particularly affecting Black Americans who predominantly use menthol cigarettes.
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