Menthol increases smoking frequency and dependence among US youth
Leas EC, Benmarhnia T, Strong DR, et al. Use of Menthol Cigarettes, Smoking Frequency, and Nicotine Dependence Among US Youth. JAMA Network Open. 2022;5(6):e2217144. “In this population-based pooled cohort study including 1492 observations of 1096 youth cigarette smokers (aged 12-17 years at their baseline and follow-up interviews), menthol use was associated with smoking more frequently and with having higher nicotine dependence scores, but switching from menthol to nonmenthol cigarettes was associated with reduced smoking frequency and dependence.” Implications: The addition of menthol to cigarettes could increase the smoking frequency and nicotine dependence among youth.
Stephen Hamann
