More smokers are buying tobacco from illicit sources, new study reveals

A new study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that nearly a quarter of smokers (23.1%) are purchasing tobacco from illicit sources, nearly doubling from 12.2% in 2023. The research analyzed data from nearly 10,000 smokers ages 16 and older, revealing a concerning trend in tobacco purchasing behaviors over just two years. Illicit tobacco sources may contain harmful additives or contaminants that pose additional health risks beyond smoking-related diseases. This shift in purchasing patterns raises public health concerns and may complicate tobacco control efforts and tax collection efforts.