Menthol is a chemical compound that can be found naturally in peppermint and other mint plants, but it can also be made in a lab. It is widely used in various products, including cigarettes, cough drops, gum, candy, and dental care products. Menthol creates a cooling sensation and can reduce the harshness of cigarette smoke and the irritation from nicotine, which can make smoking more appealing to new smokers, youth, Black Americans, and LGBTQ Americans, among others. However, despite what some marketing messages may suggest, menthol cigarettes offer no health benefits compared to non-menthol cigarettes. In fact, the minty taste and odor can mask the early warning symptoms of smoking-induced respiratory problems. Menthol cigarettes can lead to a number of health issues, including heart and lung disease and cancers. Menthol enhances the effects of nicotine on the brain and can make tobacco products even more addictive. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed rules to stop the sale of cigarettes with menthol as a characterizing flavor and remove all flavored cigars from the marketplace.