The Language of Cigar Use: Focus Group Findings on Cigar Product Terminology

Abstract

Introduction The consumption of cigar products has increased since 2000. The multiple product types within this category, combined with the varied language with which consumers refer to them, present challenges for accurately assessing the prevalence of cigar product use. Surveillance is also complicated by the fact that these products can be used to smoke marijuana, as “blunts”— cigars in which the tobacco is removed and replaced with marijuana. Few studies exist regarding the language and terminology used to describe these products. Methods Sixteen focus groups were conducted in fi cities in the United States between March and May of 2014. Participants (N = 123) included adults who had used cigars, cigarillos, or little cigars in the past 30 days. A semi-structured moderator guide was used to gather data on the terms used to identify cigar product subtypes and the language used to describe the products and their use. Results Participants used a variety of terms for each product subtype. Brand names were often used, as well as slang terms, including terms describing cigars modified for marijuana use. Some subtypes were less likely than others to be considered “cigars.” Participants had mixed opinions about whether users of cigar products are “smokers.” Conclusions Users of cigar products may classify or label products differently from researchers and policy makers, and many refer to their product by brand name or a slang term. These fi have implications for future research, instrument design, and public health messaging about cigar products. Implications This study adds to the body of evidence highlighting the challenges for measurement and surveillance of non-cigarette tobacco products, including cigars. Findings illustrate the myriad terms used by consumers to describe their use of cigar product subtypes, as well as the complexity of distinguishing between use of cigar products as intended, versus as a vehicle for smoking marijuana. Future research aimed to enhance specifi of cigar use measures will enable policy-makers and public health practitioners to more fully characterize prevalence and patterns of use by cigar subtype.

Tobacco Product Use Among Adults — United States, 2013–2014

“…These users might not consider themselves to be tobacco product users, and thus, might not consider themselves to be at risk for tobacco-related disease or death (6,7). For example, one focus group study with adult cigar smokers found that some users would only use the term "smoker" or "cigar smoker" to describe someone who smoked cigars several times a week or daily (8). This finding underscores the importance of further research on the ascertainment of tobacco product use, as well as efforts to educate the public about the potential harms of all tobacco product use, including risks associated with occasional use.…”

Youth Acquisition and Situational Use of Cigars, Cigarillos, and Little Cigars:

“…Recent research has found that youth and young adults identify these as unique products used in different situations. 61,62 There may be differences in acquisition and situational use among subtypes of users or by demographic characteristics that cannot be detected owing to CCLC measurement. Despite these limitations, this work allows for examination of CCLC acquisition and situational use within a population, a topic necessary for determining evidence-based interventions and policies for CCLCs.…”

Little Cigars and Cigarillos: Users, Perceptions, and Reasons for Use

“…It is important to note that whereas use of LCCs as “blunts,” with marijuana replacing some or all of the tobacco inside, is popular with some user subgroups, 35, 36 we did not explore such use in this study. Prior research has implied that respondents may respond differently to usage questions depending on whether the definition provided includes use with marijuana or as “blunts.” 35,37 Reasons for use and perceptions of addiction may vary widely based on the type of substance smoked. 34 …”