The Unintended Consequences of Banning Flavored Vapes
January 29, 2026 by cato.org
The Unintended Consequences of Banning Flavored Vapes
When governments ban products, they don’t eliminate demand—they redirect it. That basic economic fact is especially important in nicotine policy, where people don’t simply stop using nicotine because a preferred product disappears. Flavored vaping bans are a case in point. Many states and some cities have enacted bans on in-store and/or online sales of flavored vapes. However, adults also enjoy these flavored products, and many trying to quit smoking find it easier with flavored options.
14.10% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 39.8 million current smokers in United States 17.10% of men are current smokers but only 11.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
