VLN Products Launch in Nevada to Help Smokers Smoke Less

Terrible Herbst and Speedee Mart Selling VLN Reduced Nicotine Products in Approximately 200 Las Vegas Area Stores

FDA Authorized VLN Products Are Specifically Designed to Reduce the Harms of Smoking

BUFFALO, N.Y., June 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 22nd Century Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: XXII), a leading biotechnology company dedicated to improving health with reduced nicotine tobacco, hemp/cannabis and hops advanced plant technologies, today announced its FDA authorized VLN reduced nicotine content cigarettes are now available in approximately 200 Las Vegas area Terrible Herbst and Speedee Mart convenience-stores (c-stores).

“At Terrible’s, we’re known for being ‘a deliberately different convenience store’,” said Mark Walters, Vice President, Purchasing & Sales of Terrible’s. “VLN is a deliberately different cigarette – one that’s actually helping smokers reduce their nicotine intake – so it makes sense that we carry VLN in our stores and help the brand meet smokers where they are, if they’re on a journey to cut back or quit.”

“We are excited to see a strong VLN launch at Terrible Herbst and Speedee Mart, two iconic Las Vegas c-store chains, as Las Vegas area smokers seek new ways to break their nicotine addiction and smoke less,” stated John Miller, president of tobacco products for 22nd Century Group. “Clinical research presented as part of our FDA authorization process demonstrates that switching to reduced nicotine products such as VLN can provide an ‘off-ramp’ to smokers, many of whom want to cut back and just need a new tool to help them achieve their goals.”

VLN availability is expanding rapidly, with sales or announced launches in 14 states to date. New stores are being added regularly, including a major upcoming expansion with a top national c-store chain adding VLN to almost 1,500 corporate stores across the three largest state markets – Texas, California and Florida – with franchise stores to follow.

“The Nevada launch is off to a fast start as we continue to scale availability with major retail chains like Terrible’s and Speedee. We now expect to exceed our original launch goal of 18 states in 2023 based on the strong demand for this innovative new solution.”

“VLN has shown exceptional product acceptance by adult smokers looking to reduce their habit. Multiple additional chains have committed to launch windows for the rest of the year, including convenience, truck stop, military and drug store leaders, as we work to make VLN widely available as an alternative to highly addictive conventional cigarettes. Our new distribution agreements with the top providers in the industry facilitate fast stocking, coordinated promotion and easy re-supply of VLN for retailers who join in carrying this important tool in the fight to reduce the harms of smoking,” said Miller.