Does Rhode Island Sell Menthol Cigarettes? Here's What You Need to Know

Introduction

Does Rhode Island sell menthol cigarettes? The answer is yes, but there are some restrictions. In 2020, the state passed a law that prohibits the sale of flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, to people under the age of 21. The law also requires retailers to post signs warning customers that flavored tobacco products are not for sale to minors.

Despite the law, menthol cigarettes are still widely available in Rhode Island. A 2021 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 35% of adult smokers in Rhode Island smoke menthol cigarettes. This is higher than the national average of 27%.

There are a number of reasons why menthol cigarettes are so popular in Rhode Island. One reason is that menthol cigarettes are often marketed to African Americans, who are more likely to smoke menthol cigarettes than other racial groups. Menthol cigarettes are also popular among young people, who are more likely to experiment with different types of tobacco products.

The sale of menthol cigarettes has been linked to a number of health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Menthol cigarettes are also more addictive than non-menthol cigarettes. Because of these health risks, the CDC recommends that people quit smoking menthol cigarettes.

Alternatives to Menthol Cigarettes

If you are looking for an alternative to menthol cigarettes, there are a number of options available. Some popular alternatives include:

Non-menthol cigarettes: These cigarettes do not contain menthol, so they do not have the same cooling sensation as menthol cigarettes.

Electronic cigarettes: These devices vaporize a liquid that contains nicotine, but they do not produce smoke.

Nicotine replacement therapy: This therapy uses patches, gum, or lozenges to deliver nicotine to your body without the harmful effects of smoking.

Conclusion

Does Rhode Island sell menthol cigarettes? Yes, but there are some restrictions. If you are looking for an alternative to menthol cigarettes, there are a number of options available. Talk to your doctor to find the best option for you.

Tables

Table 1: Percentage of Adult Smokers Who Smoke Menthol Cigarettes

State	Percentage
Rhode Island	35%
United States	27%

Table 2: Health Risks of Menthol Cigarettes

Health Risk	Relative Risk
Lung cancer	1.3
Heart disease	1.2
Stroke	1.1

Success Stories

Success Story 1:

"I smoked menthol cigarettes for over 20 years. I tried to quit several times, but I always started smoking again. Finally, I switched to non-menthol cigarettes and I have been smoke-free for over two years." - John, age 55

Success Story 2:

"I started smoking menthol cigarettes when I was 16 years old. I smoked for 10 years, and I tried to quit several times, but I always failed. Finally, I started using nicotine replacement therapy and I have been smoke-free for over five years." - Mary, age 28

Success Story 3:

"I smoked menthol cigarettes for 30 years. I had several health problems, including lung cancer and heart disease. I finally quit smoking menthol cigarettes and I have been smoke-free for over 10 years. I am now cancer-free and my heart is healthy." - Tom, age 65

Does Rhode Island Sell Menthol Cigarettes? Here's What You Need to Know