Synthetic Nicotine Analogue, Nicotine and CBD in US-marketed “Tobacco-Free” Cigarettes

Background and aims Electronic cigarette and oral pouch products containing the nicotine analogue 6-methyl nicotine have become available in many parts of the world, evading tobacco and nicotine regulations. Recently, we identified United States-marketed “tobacco-free” combustible cigarette products that may contain 6-methyl nicotine, available in “regular” and “menthol” flavours. The present study aimed to verify the presence of 6-methyl nicotine and menthol and the absence of nicotine in “tobacco-free” cigarettes, and to identify the source of the plant materials used in manufacturing. Methods Choice™ “tobacco-free” cigarettes and control tobacco cigarettes were purchased in physical locations and online stores in the United States. Cigarette rods and papers were extracted and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Results 6-methyl nicotine was identified in Choice™-cigarettes, at similar quantities in both flavour varieties (regular: 455 ± 59 µg/rod vs. menthol: 484 ± 36 µg/rod) and across purchase sources. Newport regular and menthol tobacco cigarettes contained nicotine at 9119 ± 633 and 7050 ± 721 µg/rod. Nicotine was also detected in both Choice™-cigarette flavour varieties (7.4 ± 1.3 µg/rod). Menthol contents in Choice™-Menthol cigarettes ranged between 2472 ± 297 µg/rod and 3362 ± 510 µg/rod, higher than in Newport menthol tobacco cigarettes (2222 ± 13 µg/rod). Cannabidiol (CBD) was identified in both flavor varieties of Choice™ cigarettes (regular: 9271 ± 1024 µg/rod; menthol cigarettes: 11292 ± 1629 µg/rod) as well as smaller quantities of other cannabinoids. Conclusions We report the emergence of “tobacco-free” combustible cigarette products containing a synthetic nicotine analogue, 6-methyl nicotine. While the determined 6-methyl nicotine contents are lower than nicotine contents in tobacco cigarettes, 6-methyl nicotine’s higher potency may elicit similar reinforcing effects. The presence of substantial amounts of CBD, along with other cannabinoids, suggests hemp as the filler plant material. Legislators and regulators need to urgently address combustible nicotine analogue products that threaten to undermine smoking prohibitions, taxation, age limitations and flavour regulations.