Cigar use before and after a cigarette excise tax increase in New Jersey

Objective: To determine whether cigarette smokers in New Jersey substituted cigars following a cigarette excise tax increase. Methods: We examined data from New Jersey's 2001 and 2002 Adult Tobacco Survey (NJATS). Adjusted odds ratios were generated for ever and current cigar use, controlling for demographics and cigarette smoking status. Results: Males, whites, ever cigarette smokers, and those with higher education reported greater ever and current cigar use in both years. The adjusted odds for cigar use among recent quitters were higher in 2002 than in 2001. Conclusions: When other tobacco products' excise taxes fail to keep pace with cigarettes, there is a real potential for product substitution. Cessation of all tobacco products is necessary for the best public health outcome.