The Reason Menthol Cigarettes are Being Banned in the UK

As of Wednesday 20^th of May 2020, menthol cigarettes, rolling tobacco, and skinny cigarettes will no longer be available for purchase in UK shops as part of the new EU Tobacco Product Directive. The proposition to ban menthol-based products has been public knowledge since May 2016, but only now will this become a government-enforced regulation.

Why is There a Focus on These Specific Products?

You may be wondering why exactly this ban is coming into place and why these aforementioned products are coming under fire. The decision to ban the sale of these products is part of an initiative to discourage young people from smoking. It’s thought that by stopping young people having access to cigarettes with a ‘characterising’ flavour, smoking, in general, will see a decline.

Research has indicated that menthol in cigarettes increases the likelihood of children and young adults to try smoking and develop a dependency further down the line. By getting rid of menthol flavouring in cigarettes, the government aim to reduce the amount of young people taking up cigarettes and make it easier for smokers to quit.

Are Menthol Cigarettes More Harmful?

The short answer is no. Menthol cigarettes are not any more harmful than non-flavoured cigarettes but that isn’t the point. Flavours like menthol mask the harsh taste of a regular cigarette and make them more appealing for non-smokers and children in particular.

Equally, there is no evidence to support the idea that menthol cigarettes are any less harmful for you than non-flavoured cigarettes. There is, however, research to support the idea that menthol cigarettes are more addictive and smoked by a younger demographic, further supporting the government’s decision to enforce this new ban.

“Like other cigarettes, menthol cigarettes harm nearly every organ in the body. They cause many diseases, including cancer and heart disease.” – SmokeFree

What Does This Mean for me?

The menthol ban may be the perfect opportunity for smokers to switch to vaping. For smokers who regularly opted for flavoured cigarettes, e-liquids offer a readily available and less harmful alternative to smoking. iBreathe have a large range of flavours, including a premium menthol range and 20mg nic salts range. The ban will not affect vaping products so what better time to make the change?