22nd Century Group Reports Continued Early Sales Momentum for VLN® Cigarette Products

Expansion in 2026 Forecasted to Exceed 5,000 Retail Outlets Nationwide as Consumers Demonstrate Interest in VLN® Brands

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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22nd Century Group, a tobacco products company focused on reducing the harms of smoking through nicotine reduction, announced continued early sales momentum for its VLN® low nicotine cigarette products in the U.S. market. The company's proprietary low nicotine technology is designed to serve adult smokers who want to change their smoking habits by significantly reducing nicotine consumption.

Why it matters

The progress aligns with accelerating regulatory developments, including a proposed FDA rule to mandate a maximum nicotine level in combustible cigarettes. 22nd Century believes VLN® is uniquely positioned in this evolving regulatory landscape, demonstrating both the scientific and commercial feasibility of very low nicotine cigarettes.

The details

In the fourth quarter of 2025, approximately 8,800 cartons of VLN® low nicotine combustible cigarettes were distributed across approximately 1,700 new retail outlets nationwide. Initial sell-through data from participating retailers indicates encouraging early consumer adoption, with adult smokers now purchasing VLN® products across all three brand presentations: 22nd Century VLN®, Pinnacle VLN®, and Smoker Friendly VLN®.

  • In January 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a proposed rule to mandate a maximum nicotine level of 0.7 milligrams per gram of tobacco in combustible cigarettes.
  • In December 2021, VLN® low nicotine combustible cigarettes were authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, making them the first and still the only combustible cigarettes authorized specifically to help reduce nicotine consumption.

The players

22nd Century Group, Inc.

A tobacco products company focused on reducing the harms of smoking through nicotine reduction.

Larry Firestone

Chief Executive Officer of 22nd Century Group.

VLN®

22nd Century's low nicotine combustible cigarette product, which was authorized by the FDA in December 2021 to help reduce nicotine consumption.

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What they’re saying

“We have achieved ignition. Following our initial distribution phase, smokers are now purchasing our VLN® combustible cigarettes across all markets.”

— Larry Firestone, Chief Executive Officer of 22nd Century Group (bakercityherald.com)

“This is a long-term opportunity. As we continue to demonstrate sustained smoker adoption of VLN® products, we expect to expand our retail footprint. We plan to grow to more than 5,000 points or more of distribution in 2026 by continuing to add new retail partners across all classes of trade and have significantly advanced sales discussion with partners we anticipate adopting VLN® branded products over the upcoming months.”

— Larry Firestone, Chief Executive Officer of 22nd Century Group (bakercityherald.com)

“As regulatory bodies in the United States and around the world increasingly consider nicotine reduction as a cornerstone of tobacco control policy, we believe we are uniquely positioned at the intersection of science, regulation, and consumer demand. By combining proprietary plant biotechnology, FDA-authorized claims, and expanding retail distribution, the Company aims to play a leading role in accelerating the transition toward minimally addictive combustible cigarettes and supporting adult smokers seeking meaningful change.”

— Larry Firestone, Chief Executive Officer of 22nd Century Group (bakercityherald.com)

What’s next

The company plans to grow to more than 5,000 points of distribution for VLN® products in 2026 by continuing to add new retail partners across all classes of trade.

The takeaway

22nd Century Group's VLN® low nicotine cigarettes, which are the only FDA-authorized combustible cigarettes designed to reduce nicotine consumption, are gaining early sales momentum as the company positions itself at the forefront of the evolving regulatory landscape around nicotine reduction in cigarettes.