Menthol Cigarette Ban – What You Need to Know
The menthol cigarette ban looks to curb child smoking, as Cancer Research say that two thirds of regular smokers start before they turn 18.
The news follows an intense 4 year campaign, in which the High Court also introduced standardised packaging for cigarettes, featuring larger health warnings without any branding.
Cancer Research state that smoking causes at least 15 different types of cancer, with tobacco being the biggest cancer-causer in the world today.
When did the menthol cigarettes ban happen?
As of May 20th 2020, menthol cigarettes were banned in the UK, in an effort to deter younger people trying and eventually becoming addicted to cigarettes. The new law means that menthol cigarettes, menthol filters, papers, and skinny cigarettes can be no longer produced and sold in UK stores.
Why are menthol cigarettes banned?
Deborah Arnott, Chief Executive of Action on Smoking and Health said: “Research shows that menthol makes it easier for young people to start smoking because it masks the harshness when they first try to inhale.
“In reality, menthol cigarettes are just as harmful as regular cigarettes and most adult smokers become addicted to smoking in their youth.
“Removing menthol cigarettes from the market will deter young people from starting smoking.”
A study on the prevalence of cigarette use in young people in Wales showed that 60.5% of young smokers aged 11 to 16 were smoking menthol cigarettes. Data was gathered by Cardiff University from a 2019 survey that accounted for 120,000 school pupils in Wales, two thirds of all children within the age range.
Are menthol cigarettes worse or better than regular cigarettes?
Menthol cigarettes could potentially be worse for public health than regular cigarettes.
A US Food and Drug Administration study found that: “It is likely that menthol cigarettes pose a public health risk above that seen with non-menthol cigarettes,” as the minty menthol flavour can cover up the harshness of a typical cigarette drag, enticing smokers to smoke longer drags, and smoke more cigarettes in general.
Furthermore, research by both the FDA and the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee shows that those who smoke menthol cigarettes are more likely to be dependent on them and have more trouble quitting.
Does the menthol cigarette ban effect e-cigarettes?
No, the ban does not apply to e-cigarette products, including menthol flavoured E-Liquids. The ban strictly applies to menthol cigarettes, menthol rolling tobacco, skinny cigarettes and click-dual cigarettes.
Menthol Cigarette Alternatives
1.3 million of the smokers in the UK are menthol smokers, many of which are adults who prefer the flavour of menthol over traditional cigarettes. These people may now be looking to make the switch to vaping rather than going back to the alternative of harmful tobacco cigarettes.
If this is you, then you may want to read on to see our recommendations of must try menthol nicotine salt E-Liquids below.
What are Nic Salts?
Nic Salts look and taste just like normal vape juices, but with the added benefit of providing a much smoother throat hit at higher nicotine levels. Nicotine Salts also offers a quicker “nicotine fix” compared to traditional E-Liquids offering a nicotine satisfaction similar to smoking. This makes Nicotine Salts an excellent choice for new vapers looking to make the switch from smoking to vaping.
Want to learn more about Nic Salts? Checkout our complete nicotine salt E-Liquid guide.
Must Try Menthol E-Liquids for Vaping
Glacier E-Liquid by SALT
This Vape Green best seller is not only one of our best selling Menthol liquids, it is one of our best selling E-Liquids period! Glacier Nic Salt by SALT is an ice-cold Menthol vape with icy and minty notes throughout the entire vape.
Ice Menthol E-Liquid by Pod Salt
One of our best selling Nic Salt E-Liquid brands is Pod Salt so it is probably to no ones surprise that Ice Menthol by Pod Salt is another best selling cold Menthol flavour that we can strongly recommend.
Summary
There are some fantastic alternatives to smoking menthol cigarettes that lie in the vaping industry.
Not only do e-cigarettes replicate the minty freshness of menthol smoking, they replicate the smoking experience as a whole. NHS evidence also shows that vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking. Users are exposed to far fewer toxins, at far lower levels than smoking cigarettes.
So try not to be too bummed out if you’re now an (ex) menthol smoker. Venturing into the vaping world may seem daunting, but you will reap the benefits. Swap minty smoke for minty vapour.
