Nicotine Products Evolve as Smoking Declines in Tennessee

Vapes and nicotine pouches gain popularity as cigarette sales drop, but some traditional tobacco products remain steady

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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While cigarette smoking has declined in Tennessee, the state's nicotine landscape has become more complex, with vapes and nicotine pouches gaining popularity among those looking to move away from traditional cigarettes. However, some classic tobacco products like cigars and pipes continue to maintain steady sales, appealing to a range of customers from college students to older adults.

Why it matters

The shifting trends in nicotine consumption reflect broader public health concerns around the long-term effects of vaping and the ongoing efforts to curb smoking rates. As new nicotine products emerge, understanding the evolving preferences and behaviors of consumers is crucial for policymakers, public health officials, and businesses navigating this dynamic market.

The details

Cigarette sales have been on a steady decline in Tennessee, with factors like increased prices and taxes, as well as the rise of more convenient and discreet options like vapes and nicotine pouches, contributing to the decrease. Vape sales have surged, particularly among younger users, while nicotine pouches have also gained traction as some consumers seek alternatives to vaping due to health concerns. However, traditional tobacco products like cigars and pipes continue to maintain a loyal customer base, appealing to a diverse range of ages.

  • Cigarette sales in the U.S. declined by 27% from 2015 to 2021.
  • Nicotine pouch sales have more than doubled in the past few years, increasing from $452 million in 2020 to $1 billion in 2022.
  • Nicotine pouches were the second most commonly used tobacco-derived product among youth in 2024.

The players

Kaitlin Bailey

Store manager of Planet Vapor in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Robbie Turner

Manager of the Shamrock Beverage and Tobacco Shop in Tennessee.

Ashton Smyth

Owner of The Laboratory Smoke Shop & THCA in Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of people are looking for something that's a little bit more convenient and cigarettes are seeming to become more expensive. Also, with some places allowing you to smoke inside with the disposables because it doesn't smell the same way and it doesn't create the same kind of smoke.”

— Kaitlin Bailey, Store manager of Planet Vapor

“I think a lot of people are at least more health conscious.”

— Robbie Turner, Manager of Shamrock Beverage and Tobacco Shop

“We've started growing nicotine pouches – the variety that we carry – that's really picked up. I think a lot of people have kind of started to switch away from a nicotine vape and going to a nicotine pouch. I see those increasing and flower decreasing.”

— Ashton Smyth, Owner of The Laboratory Smoke Shop & THCA

What’s next

As regulations around hemp flower products change in Tennessee, businesses will need to continue adapting their product offerings to meet evolving consumer preferences and address public health concerns around nicotine consumption.

The takeaway

The shifting landscape of nicotine products in Tennessee reflects broader national trends, with cigarette sales declining, vapes and nicotine pouches gaining popularity, and some traditional tobacco products maintaining a loyal customer base. This dynamic market highlights the need for policymakers, public health officials, and businesses to closely monitor and respond to the changing behaviors and preferences of consumers.