Legal Definitions - cigarette

A cigarette is a roll of tobacco wrapped in leaf tobacco or any other substance containing tobacco that is likely to be offered to or purchased by consumers as a cigarette. The government agency determines whether an item is a cigarette by considering its appearance, taste, size, shape, filter, packaging, and advertising.

• A Marlboro cigarette is a typical example of a cigarette because it has a filter, is packaged in a cigarette-type package, and is advertised as a cigarette.
• A hand-rolled tobacco cigarette that is wrapped in a leaf of lettuce is not likely to be offered to or purchased by consumers as a cigarette, so it is not classified as a cigarette.

Since 2009, cigarettes are required to have large warnings on their packaging and advertisements that cover the top half of the front and back of the package. Additionally, cigarettes cannot contain any artificial or natural flavors other than tobacco or menthol. This is to prevent tobacco companies from making cigarettes more appealing to young people.