22nd Century Group’s VLN® cigarettes with 95% less nicotine than conventional cigarettes are now available in select Chicagoland Circle K convenience stores.

VLN® cigarettes are now available exclusively at more than 150 Circle K convenience stores across Chicagoland. Participating pilot launch stores are located in Chicago, suburban Cook County, and the collar counties.
When choosing Chicagoland for the pilot, 22nd Century noted smokers are found within every segment of the population, many of whom are looking for alternatives. The CDC estimates 15.5 per cent of Illinois adults aged 18 years or older smoke cigarettes, higher than the national average of 12.5 per cent, according to 2018 state and 2020 national statistics.
According to the 22nd Century press release, a pack of VLN® cigarettes will be similarly priced to full nicotine premium brands, approximately USD 9-12 depending on tax. Illinois is the second most expensive cigarette retail market in the US.
The three- to six-month pilot will be the first US sales of VLN® King and VLN® Menthol King cigarettes. 22nd Century is also launching VLN® cigarettes in South Korea, its first international market. Following the pilot, 22nd Century and Circle K intend to expand sales nationwide to more than 7,000 stores in 48 states.
Read more about VLN® in the upcoming TJI issue.