Product availability among MA tobacco retailers
In the years following implementation of the state law, there have been drastic reductions in availability and retail sales of menthol and other flavored tobacco products in MA.
To date, minimal sales of flavored tobacco products remain. Remaining flavored products may be partially attributed to increases in concept flavors (characterizing flavors not clearly identifiable as menthol, fruit etc.) produced by the tobacco industry (ex. Black & Mild “Jazz”). These products are particularly difficult to identify and therefore difficult to enforce on due to their ambiguous flavor descriptions [1].
Select product flavor (menthol/mint/wintergreen or other tobacco flavors) to see availability of these products in MA retailers over time. Data from MA pricing survey.
Retail data in MA and neighboring states
These decreases in availability of menthol or other flavored tobacco in Massachusetts exist without a large increase in unflavored tobacco sales or sustained increases in flavored tobacco sales in neighboring states.
To examine trends in retail sales data, first select a data source (Circana or NielsenIQ). You may then look at unit sales over time in MA and neighboring states by using product type and flavor filters.
Youth access to tobacco products
To see how sources of access to tobacco products for youth have changed over time over time, choose a grade level (high school or middle school). Data from YHS.
Adult access to tobacco products
To see how sources of access to tobacco products for adults have changed over time, choose a year of data. Data from panel survey.