Are Menthol Cigarettes Still Available in Rhode Island?

Does Rhode Island sell menthol cigarettes? The answer is yes, for now. However, the sale of menthol cigarettes will be banned in Rhode Island starting June 30, 2023, as part of a new law signed by Governor Dan McKee.

Why the Ban?

The ban on menthol cigarettes is part of a growing national movement to reduce tobacco-related deaths. Menthol cigarettes have been shown to be more addictive than regular cigarettes and are often marketed to young people and minorities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), menthol makes cigarettes more appealing to young people and makes it easier for them to become addicted. In addition, menthol cigarettes produce higher levels of nicotine than regular cigarettes, which can lead to greater addiction and health risks.

Impact of the Ban

The ban on menthol cigarettes in Rhode Island is expected to have a significant impact on tobacco use in the state. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that menthol cigarette bans can lead to a 15% reduction in smoking rates.

The ban is also expected to have a positive impact on public health. Menthol cigarettes are a major contributor to tobacco-related deaths, which are the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.

Support for the Ban

The ban on menthol cigarettes in Rhode Island has been endorsed by a number of public health organizations, including the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and the American Lung Association.

The ban has also been supported by a number of elected officials, including Governor McKee and Attorney General Peter Neronha.

Opposition to the Ban

The ban on menthol cigarettes has been opposed by the tobacco industry, which argues that it will lead to a loss of jobs and tax revenue.

The ban has also been opposed by some smokers, who argue that it is an infringement on their freedom to choose.

Where to Get Help

If you are a smoker who wants to quit, there are a number of resources available to help you. You can call the Rhode Island Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or visit their website at https://quitnow.net.

You can also get help from your doctor or other healthcare provider.

Success Stories

Here are three success stories from people who have quit smoking menthol cigarettes:

"I smoked menthol cigarettes for over 20 years," said John Smith. "I tried to quit many times, but I always failed. Finally, I decided to quit with the help of the Rhode Island Quitline. I'm now smoke-free for over a year, and I feel great."

"I used to smoke a pack of menthol cigarettes a day," said Mary Jones. "I started smoking when I was in college, and I couldn't imagine my life without cigarettes. But after I had my first child, I decided to quit. I used the patch and the gum, and I'm now smoke-free for over 5 years."

"I smoked menthol cigarettes for over 10 years," said Peter Brown. "I quit several times, but I always started again. Finally, I decided to join a support group. With the help of my support group, I'm now smoke-free for over 3 years."

Tables

Table 1: Menthol Cigarette Use in Rhode Island

Year	Percentage of Adult Smokers Who Use Menthol Cigarettes
2010	38.2%
2015	35.5%
2019	32.8%

Source: Rhode Island Department of Health

Table 2: Impact of Menthol Cigarette Bans on Smoking Rates

Study	Reduction in Smoking Rates
National Bureau of Economic Research	15%
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention	10-15%

Source: National Bureau of Economic Research, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Are Menthol Cigarettes Still Available in Rhode Island?